SPEAR THROWER, WOOMERA
KING GEORGE SOUND, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
African & Oceanic Art, Natural History and Ancient Art
Auction: 30 July 2025 from 14:00 BST
Description
carved wood, of oval form, with deep linear carved geometric decoration, gum resin handle and possum tooth hook, raised on a bespoke mount
Dimensions
60cm tall
Provenance
Clive Loveless, London, acquired on the French art market
Private collection, United Kingdom, acquired from the above
Footnote
Aboriginal communities throughout Australia traditionally utilised spear throwers for both hunting and combat. To use the device, the handle at its lower end was gripped while a small, hooklike extension at the upper end engaged with the hollow base of a long, lightweight spear. This tool functioned by effectively extending the user’s arm, providing a mechanical advantage that boosted the spear’s speed and throwing range. While spear throwers could allow a hunter or warrior to strike a target from up to eighty yards away, users typically aimed to get as close as possible to maximise the force and precision of their throw.