Australian Aboriginal artefacts: woomeras (spear thrower)

Rare South Australian Womera Spearthrower

A rare spearthrower (womera), South Australia (early nineteenth century), carved wood, resin and native twine, 58 cm high. Provenance: The Major Hasson Collection, United States of America. Brunks Auctions, North Carolina, 20 July 2002. Private Collection…

Early Incised Spearthrower from South East Australia

An early and incised spearthrower (womera), South East Australia, carved hardwood, 83 cm high. Provenance: Private Collection, Melbourne

Early South East Australian Womera Spearthrower

An early spearthrower (womera), South East Australia (early-mid nineteenth century), carved hardwood, 75.2 cm high. Provenance: Private Collection, Melbourne

Victoria Incised Spear Thrower

Superb early incised spear thrower (woomera), Victoria, carved and engraved hardwood (with custom stand) elongated blade of plano-convex section decorated on both surfaces with finely incised geometric designs and traditional motifs, tapering to form an…

Nineteenth Century Australian Womera Spearthrower

A spearthrower (womera), South East Australia (nineteenth century), carved hardwood, resin and kangaroo gut, 66.8 cm high. Provenance: The Tom McCourt Collection. By descent. Private Collection, Melbourne

Traditional Australian Spear Thrower with Elaborate Carvings

Fine spear thrower (woomera), Victoria. Elongated blade of plano-convex section decorated on both surfaces with incised linear traditional motifs, tapering to form an elongated handle of circular section, old glossy patina. Carved and engraved hardwood…

Rare 19th Century Aboriginal Womera Spearthrower

A rare spearthrower (womera), coastal New South Wales (nineteenth century), carved wood, 68.7 cm. Provenance: Private Collection, United Kingdom. Private Collection, Melbourne. For related examples from the same region see;. Carol Cooper, et al.,…

Aurukun Woomera: Exceptional Spear Thrower of Cape York

A Cape York woomera an exceptional early spear thrower of wood, resin and shell. Aurukun people, Queensland. Length 83 cm

Nineteenth Century Australian Spearthrower

A spearthrower (womera), South East Australia (nineteenth century), carved hardwood, 75.2 cm high. Provenance: The Tom McCourt Collection. By descent. Private Collection, Melbourne

Western Australian Incised Woomera Spears

Two incised spearthrowers (woomera), Western Australia (nineteenth century), carved wood, resin and kangaroo sinew, 64 cm; 66.7 cm high (2). Provenance: Private Collection, Sydney

Early Incised Spear Thrower from Central Australia

Superb fine early incised spear thrower (woomera), Central Australia, Northern Territory. Carved and engraved hardwood, spinifex resin and natural pigments. The gently curving form of concave section, superbly incised in churinga like designs both…

Coastal Woomera with Kangaroo Tooth and Hooks

Rare coastal spear thrower (woomera), New South Wales. Long narrow undecorated spear throwers with flared ends, from coastal New South Wales. They have separate hooks bound to the shafts by fibre and resin. Carved and engraved hardwood with kangaroo tooth…

Good 19th century Australian Aboriginal woomera, Upper Murchison, Western Australia, of wide leaf form, with incised chevron design, length 59 cm. Provenance: Arthur Palmer, then private collection, Queensland

Zig Zag Woomera with Spinifex Resin Binding

Spear thrower (woomera) a fine West Australian woomera, elongated leaf form finely incised intricate zig zag design, reverse side smooth wooden hook bound with spinifex resin, and on handle, glossy patina. 61 cm

Lake Condah Aboriginal Mission Spear Thrower

Important spear thrower (woomera), Lake Condah Aboriginal Mission, Victoria, carved and engraved hardwood (with custom stand) Lake Condah Mission station was established in 1867 as a church of England Mission, approximately three kilometres from the Lake.…

Australian Aboriginal woomera, Great Sandy Desert, of tapering leaf form, incised with straight and diagonal motifs, evidence of ochre, length 65 cm. Provenance: Arthur Beau Palmer Gallery, 2006, then private collection, Queensland

Aboriginal Woomera with Anthropomorphic Carvings and Stand

Aboriginal woomera, Western Australia, early 20th century, carved with two anthropomorphic figures, with stand, height 62 cm. Provenance: The Collection of Janet and Graeme Webb, Wollogorang, NSW

Aboriginal Artefacts Collection

Six Aboriginal artefacts. Adze with incised decoration; spear thrower; club; carved board; & two pointing sticks. Length 60 cm (adze)

West Australian Spear-Thrower from Holt Collection (660)

An early West Australian spear-thrower. 72 cm long. Provenance: The Holt collection no 660

Spinifex-handled Spear Thrower from Central Australia

A Central Australian spear thrower (woomera) early 20th century of hardwood in narrow form, decorated with classic incised lineal banding, glossy old patina, spinifex resin handle. 75 cm

Antique Woomera Spear Thrower with Incised Banding

A Central Australian spear thrower (woomera) early 20th century hardwood in narrow form, decorated with classic incised lineal banding, glossy old patina. 87 cm

Rare South Eastern Australian Spear Thrower

Rare spear thrower (woomera), South Eastern Australia. Carved and engraved hardwood (with custom stand). Provenance: Ex Bega Museum Collection (X2405), New South Wales. Mossgreen, Australian & Colonial, lot 125, November 6th, 2014. Private Collection,…

Ochre Boomerang-Woomera from Bloomfield River

19th century boomerang-woomera, with ochre rubbed finish. Bloomfield River, Queensland. Provenance: Ex Stanley Moriarty. 73 cm

Fine Incised Woomeras from Western Australia

Two fine West Australian Woomeras, [2], both finely incised over the entire front surface, one with zig zag designs and the other abstract designs and possibly a snake (or rainbow serpent) motif. Both have peg at top intact and old use patina. Provenance:…

Arnhem Land Spear Thrower

Spear Thrower (Woomera) Natural ochres on wood Arnhem Land Purchased 1968 120 cm in length.

Early Australian Aboriginal woomera, Warburton, Western Australia, incised with zig zag decoration, length 72 cm. Provenance: Marc Pinto gallery, 2006, then private collection, Queensland

WA Aboriginal Artifacts: Woomera, Shield & Club

Three Western Australian artifact, including finely carved Woomera, shield & club, 19th century. Average 69 cm.

Angular Carved Woomera: Resin-Bound Peg and Handle

A mid 1900's WA Western Desert woomera the top surface carved with angular pattern. The peg and the handle both bound in spinifex resin. 76 x 7 cm

Early Incised Spear Thrower from Western Australia

Fine early incised spear thrower (woomera), Western Australia. Carved and engraved hardwood and spinifex resin. Of leaf like form, the front with finely adzed zig-zag and linear designs, the reverse with fine adze marking, wooden peg attached, bush repair…

Late 19th Century Australian Spear Thrower

Spear Thrower (woomera), South Eastern Australian origin, late 19th century. 36 cm. Provenance: Ex Bega Museum collection (X2405)

Zig Zag Carved Hardwood Spear Thrower

A Central Desert spear thrower (woomera) hardwood intricately carved in traditional zig zag design some spinifex resin left on handle. 74 cm

Intricate Mulga Shield with Woomeras

Mulga shield, mid 20th century North-Western Australia hardwood, intricate lineal detail front and rear. The handle has a repair. 68 cm Woomeras (spear Throwers)

Engraved Woomera Spear Thrower with Stand

Spear thrower (woomera), Victoria. Elongated blade of plano-convex section, tapering to form an elongated handle of circular section, old glossy patina. Carved and engraved hardwood (with custom stand). Provenance: Bonhams & Goodman, 4 October 2005, lot…

Engraved Spear Thrower from Western Australia

Large early incised spear thrower (woomera), Western Australia, carved and engraved hardwood and spinifex resin (no custom stand) of leaf like form, the front with finely adzed zig-zag and linear designs, the reverse with fine adze marking, wooden peg…

Queensland Artifacts: Woomeras and Boomerang Set

A group of 4 Queensland artifact, comprising 3 Woomeras and a western Queensland boomerang. Boomerang 74 cm

Zig Zag Carved Western Desert Spear Thrower

A Western Desert spear thrower (woomera) hardwood intricately carved in traditional zig zag design on front rear side intricate lineal pattern hook missing from top. 79 cm

Fine Aboriginal Artefacts: Woomera & Coolamon

Two Aboriginal artefacts woomera, carved decoration, 80 cm very finely fluted Coolamon, 58 cm

Aboriginal Woomera with Incised Design and Spinifex Resin Terminus

An Aboriginal woomera, finely incised, curvy linear design to one side, spinifex resin terminus and wooden peg bound with kangaroo gut, Central Australia. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 72 cm

Aboriginal Woomera with Sinew Binding

Early 20th century Aboriginal woomera. Tooth-carved Eastern Australian hardwood with sinew bound tooth & resin pommel. Provenance: Bungan Castle Museum collection, length 85 cm

Kimberley Hardwood Woomera with Zigzag Decoration

A West Australian Kimberley Region hardwood woomera, mid 20th century with incised zigzag decoration to one side, length 65.5 cm, width 8.6 cm

Large and early Australian Aboriginal woomera, Warburton, Western Australia, of tapering leaf form, with incised diamond motifs, length 84 cm. Provenance: Marc Pinto gallery, 2006, then private collection, Queensland

Antique Woomera with Fine Incised Design

An early Central Desert woomera, 19th century from the Atherton family collection. Very good patina and a finely incised design 68 cm

Aboriginal Woomera with Spinifex Gum Handle and Dot Painting

Mid 20th century Aboriginal painted woomera. With spinifex gum handle, dot painted exterior length 86 cm

Arnhem Land Woomera Purchase 1968

Spear Thrower (Woomera) Arnhem Land Purchased 1968

Antique Spear-Thrower and Sword Club from Arnhem Land

Fine & rare late 19th / early 20th century Spear-thrower. Stone carved, & measuring 86 cm. Arnhem Land NT. Together with a rare port Essington sword club. Provenance: ex Charles Mountford, ex Jim Davidson collection Victoria, length 145 cm (sword club)

Zigzag-decorated Kimberley hardwood woomera

An interesting Kimberley hardwood woomera, mid 20th century decorated with incised zigzags one side, verso has incised footprints and serpent, length 65.5 cm, width 8.5 cm

Curvilinear Woomera from Paquim Collection

Woomera. Hardwood with finely incised curvilinear design to one face, wooden peg attached with kangaroo gut binding. Minor damage. Provenance: Paquim collection. Acquired by Joe Paquim, a former US submariner who returned to Western Australia after World…

Aboriginal Law-Board Woomera with Geometric Motifs, c.1930 Balgo

Australian Aboriginal Law-Board woomera, c.1930, Balgo, of leaf form, with incised geometric motifs to one side, length 91 cm. Provenance: Arthur Palmer, then private collection, Queensland.

West Australian Spear-Thrower from Holt Collection

An early West Australian spear-thrower. 70 cm long. Provenance: The Holt collection no 605

Early 1900s Spearthrowers from South West Australia Aboriginal Artists

Aboriginal artists unknown. Two early 1900s Spearthrowers, south West WA. Carved wood. ?? cm. The longer being made of jarrah, with string and resin binding the peg, and the remnant of a resin handle, 57 x 14 cm. The shorter made from native pine…

Engraved woomera of leaf form from Western Australia

Early woomera, Western Australia, carved and engraved hardwood and spinifex resin, of leaf like form, the front with finely adzed zig-zag and linear designs, the reverse with fine adze marking, wooden peg attached. Approx. length 70.5 x 7 cm

Arnhem Land Spear Thrower

Spear Thrower (Woomera) Natural ochres on wood Arnhem Land Purchased 1968

Central Australian Woomera with Incised Pattern and Spinifex Handle

A Central Australian woomera with incised pattern to face and spinifex resin handle. Provenance: From a UK collection. Height 70 cm

South Australian Woomera Spear Thrower

Spear thrower (woomera), South East South Australia. Carved hardwood, bone and spinifex resin, length 47.5 x 4.5 cm. Provenance: Ex Don Robinson collection A8, New South Wales. Private collection, New South Wales

Aboriginal Woomera with Interlocking Motif, Kimberley, Australia

Australian Aboriginal woomera, Kimberley, Western Australia, of tapering facetted form, with incised interlocking motif, evidence of ochre, length 72 cm. Provenance: Marc Pinto gallery, 2006, then private collection, Queensland

Aboriginal Woomera with Incised Decoration on Stand

19th century Australian Aboriginal woomera, Western Australian, with incised decoration, on metal stand, height 70 cm. Provenance: Purchased Arthur Whall 30th August, 2016, then private collection Sydney

Aboriginal Spear Thrower with Incised Handle Decoration

Aboriginal early spear thrower. Smooth hardwood shaft with string & resin mounted peg. Handle has incised decoration. Provenance: Bungan Castle Museum collection. Length 89 cm

Early North East Queensland Spear Thrower

Rare early spear thrower (woomera), north East Queensland, carved and engraved hardwood and spinifex resin (with custom stand) of elongated flattened and slender form, wooden pegs attached with resin and kangaroo sinew on both ends, old dark patina.…

Two early woomeras, one circa 1900, with intricate stone-carved decorations, spinifex gum at one end, and a hook bound with kangaroo sinew at the other. 83.5 x 10 cm. A second woomera circa early 20th century, with stone-carved zigzag patterns and…

Aboriginal Woomera with Leaf-Shaped Springboard and Carvings

Aboriginal Woomera - Spear Thrower with leaf-shaped flat springboard. Front entirely covered with linear grooved carving, using zigzag and parallel motif. Stone tooled finish. Rich brown patina. Height 55 cm. Width 17 cm

Central Australian Hardwood Woomera with Kangaroo Sinew Hook

A large woomera spear thrower a fine Central Australia carved hardwood woomera, resin handle with, kangaroo sinew bound hook. 90 cm

Aboriginal Woomera with Incised Design and Military Inscription

An early Aboriginal woomera, with original peg secured with kangaroo gut binding, one side profusely carved with incised design, inscribed verso: 'A King 2/3 Field Regiment', with original spinifex resin terminus to handle, Western New South Wales, length…

Aboriginal Woomera from Pilbara, Western Australia - Marc Pinto Gallery

Australian Aboriginal woomera, Pilbara, Western Australia, of tapering curved leaf form, decorated with panels of incised circles and diagonal lines, length 61 cm. Provenance: Marc Pinto gallery, 2006, then private collection, Queensland.

Australian Aboriginal woomera, Western Australia, of leaf form, with incised geometric motif to one side, length 85 cm

Cape York Bi-Valve Woomera with Abrus Seed Decoration

Cape York Peninsula Bi-Valve spear thrower (woomera), Northern Queensland, carved hardwood, shell, abrus seeds and spinifex resin (with custom stand) the body of leaf-like form with right angle peg and shell handle attached with natural resins decorated…

Aboriginal Woomeras with Leaf-Shaped Incised Decorations

Two Aboriginal woomeras, Central Australia, wood, reddish brown patina, leaf-shaped flat springboard incised decoration, 81 cm and 61 cm long.

Antique Spear-Throwers with Pigments and Ochre Decoration

Early 20th century Spear-thrower. With old pigments, & spinaflex set peg, NT. Together with a fine N W Australian spear-thrower, retaining its ochre decoration. Early 20th century. Ex collection, Jim Haas, (formerly head of Ethnographic Art department at…

Unknown Aboriginal Artists: Carved Shield and Woomera, 20th Century

Aboriginal artists unknown. A carved shield and a woomera circa mid to late 20th century, each being carved to front and back, the shield painted with natural earth pigments. The spear thrower with sinew-bound hook, and a roughened handle. Shield 76.5 cm…

Woomera with Watercolour Painting and Hermannsburg Attribution

Central Australia woomera, bearing a watercolour painting by Walter Ebatarinja (1915-1968) on the reverse. The front has a Hermannsburg handicraft attribution. Mid 20th century. With a stand. 82 x 12 cm.

Carved Woomera with Stone Cutting Tool and Kangaroo Sinew Hook

Spear thrower (woomera) a fine Central Australia carved woomera resin handle with stone cutting tool on the handle. Kangaroo sinew holding hook 78 cm 78 cm

Ochre-decorated spear-thrower from early 20th century NW WA

Early 20th century Spear-thrower. North West WA, still retaining it's original ochre decoration. Provenance: ex Jim Haas collection (formerly head of Ethnographic Art department at Bonham's San Francisco), length 121 cm

Elcho Island Rare Spear Thrower

Rare spear thrower (woomera), Elcho Island, Northern Australia, carved wood, spinifex resin and natural pigment (with custom stand) a wooden spear thrower painted with natural pigments. A wooden peg is secured with resin at the distal end. Length 71 x 3.5…

Early Australian Spear-throwers

Slender, early Spear-thrower, NT. Together with a large spear-thrower, N W Australia. Early 20th century. Provenance: ex Jim Haas collection (formerly head of Ethnographic Art department at Bonham's San Francisco), length 105 cm & 123 cm

Aboriginal Artefacts: Fluted Club, Woman's Club, Digging Stick, Woomera

Two Australian Aboriginal artefacts, including fluted club; woman's club and digging stick; and woomera (spear thrower). David Said Collection, length 71 cm (digging stick)

19th century Australian Aboriginal woomera, South East Australian, of narrow leaf form, with incised leaf motifs, length 71.5 cm

Central Australian Spear Thrower

Early spear thrower (woomera), Central Australia, Northern Territory. Carved hardwood, spinifex resin and natural pigments. The gently curving form of concave section, decorated in red ochre, peg attached with kangaroo sinew, the handle of spinifex resin,…

Stoneworked ceremonial dance woomera with incised decoration

Early ceremonial dance woomera, WA. Stoneworked incised decoration to one face. Small to edge, length 70 cm

Aboriginal Woomera Pair with Welfare Label

Two Australian Aboriginal woomera, one with 'Department of Native Welfare' label. Length 73 cm and 69 cm

Australian Aboriginal spear thrower, Victoria, of narrow form with crooked end, with incised star decoration, length 59 cm. Provenance: Private Collection, Queensland

Large Australian Aboriginal woomera, in mulga, of narrow leaf form, with adze cuts verso, length 94 cm

Two Aboriginal woomeras, one with painted decoration, the other of typical form, length 68 cm and 72 cm (2)

Cape York Spear Thrower

Large spear thrower (woomera), cape York, Northern Queensland, carved hardwood and spinifex resin (with custom stand) length 86.5 x 6 cm. Provenance: Am Farlow. Private collection, South Australia

Traditional Arnhem Land Woomera Spear Thrower

An Arnhem land spear thrower (woomera) spear thrower painted in traditional manner 76 cm

Engraved Woomera from Western Australia

Incised spear thrower (woomera), Western Australia, carved and engraved hardwood (with custom stand) of leaf like form, the front with finely adzed zig-zag and linear designs, the reverse with fine adze marking, wooden peg attached. Length 83 x 10.5 cm.…

19th Century Aboriginal Woomera with Line Decoration

Large 19th century Australian Aboriginal woomera, of curved leaf form, with incised panels of line decoration, good patina, length 80 cm. Provenance: The junk Company, 2006, then private collection, Queensland

Aurukun Woomera

Cape York woomera, Northern Queensland, carved hardwood, shell and resin, this is a typical woomera from the Aurukun area of north Queensland. It has a great elegance and balanced asymmetry. Approx. length 79 cm

Aurukun Woomera: Elegant Carved Hardwood Weapon

Arnhem Land Carved Woomera with Pigmented Bands

Arnhem land woomera, Northern Territory. Carved wood, spinifex resin and natural pigments. Wooden woomera, in an oval shape, with a wooden peg attached to the distal end with adhesive. Decorated with pigmented bands of cross-hatching and dashes.…

Aboriginal artists unknown, 'Two Carved Spear-throwers (Woomeras)' Circa mid-20thc, one being carved with emus, the larger incised with geometric interlocking designs. Both with sinew-bound hooks at one end, and one with spinifex-resin at the other. The…

Aboriginal spear thrower, Mid-1900s Western Australian woomera with incised zagzag decoration to front and adzed at back. Spinifex resin at handle end and peg fastened with kangaroo sinew. Ex. Robert Croll, a boomerang throwing world champion. 81 x 10 x 3…