Aboriginal art and artefact collecting goes back to early first contact times. In fact local Aboriginals around Sydney use to trade artefacts with visiting ships from the earliest days.

Curio collecting has always been part of early exploration of the new world. Ceremonial adornment items that were made of perishable material were not preserved for future use and so early examples are very collectable. Early shields, clubs and boomerangs that were cherished as favourites and had developed a deep colour and patina are preferred.

Historical items that were collected by early notable pioneers, explorers or anthropologists are of high interest to collectors. Some areas are collected because the artistic expression makes them more appealing when displayed.

Production of artefacts has never ceased and are still made today for sale.

Some examples of collectable Aboriginal artefacts are:

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Fine early engraved boomerang, Western New South Wales /…

Engraved Boomerang from Western New South Wales

Fine early engraved boomerang, Western New South Wales / Southern Queensland, carved and engraved hardwood (with custom stand) of convex section, the face with linear, criss-crossed and linked diamond patterns, the reverse bearing fine engraved lines, old…

A group of 4 Queensland artifact, comprising 3 Woomeras and a…

Queensland Artifacts: Woomeras and Boomerang Set

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

A boomerang, with profusely incised pattern to both sides,…

Incised Boomerang from Western NSW

A boomerang, with profusely incised pattern to both sides, mounted. Western NSW. 62 cm

Two early stone cut boomerangs,19th century 52 cm and 47 cm long

19th Century Stone Cut Boomerangs - Two Sizes Available

Two early stone cut boomerangs,19th century 52 cm and 47 cm long

Arnhem land boomerang with a black and white and red 'Fish'…

Fish Pattern Boomerang from Arnhem Land

Arnhem land boomerang with a black and white and red 'Fish' pattern. 53 cm

West Australian fighting boomerang, early 20th century in…

Hardwood Fighting Boomerang with Incising

West Australian fighting boomerang, early 20th century in hardwood with incising on each surface. 74 cm

19th century Aboriginal hunting boomerang. Sword form with…

Aboriginal Hunting Boomerang, 19th Century

19th century Aboriginal hunting boomerang. Sword form with broad, flat section end. Lightly scored surface. Provenance: Bungan castle Museum collection. Length 83 cm

Aboriginal boomerang, Western Australia, early 20th century,…

Aboriginal Boomerang with Stand from Western Australia

Aboriginal boomerang, Western Australia, early 20th century, with stand, length 63 cm. Provenance: The Collection of Janet and Graeme Webb, Wollogorang, NSW

Antique 19th century Australian Aboriginal NSW boomerang, fine…

Australian Aboriginal Boomerang with Fine Incised Decoration

Antique 19th century Australian Aboriginal NSW boomerang, fine incised meandering decoration, Kamilaroi Tribe Delungra, 1908, approx 63.5 cm long

Fine early fighting boomerang, South East Queensland. Carved…

Southeast Queensland Fighting Boomerang

Fine early fighting boomerang, South East Queensland. Carved and engraved hardwood. Of crescent form, the ribbed surface replete with fine elongated striations, and dark glossy patina. Approx length 69 x 6 cm. Provenance: Private Collection, United…

Early engraved boomerang, Western Australia. Carved and…

Engraved Boomerang with Traditional Motif Designs

Early engraved boomerang, Western Australia. Carved and engraved hardwood. Of bi-convex section, decorated with incised traditional motif designs, old dark patina, length 71 x 5 cm. Provenance: Private Collection, Sydney

West Australian fighting boomerang, early 20th century in…

Incised West Australian Fighting Boomerang

West Australian fighting boomerang, early 20th century in hardwood with incising on each surface. 74 cm boomerang in hardwood with a fine incised pattern on both sides

19th century Western NSW boomerang. Dark dense hardwood, with…

19th Century Western NSW Boomerang

19th century Western NSW boomerang. Dark dense hardwood, with linear incisions running, to a central junction. Length 65 cm

19th century Western NSW boomerang. Dark, dense hardwood with…

Western NSW Incised Boomerang

19th century Western NSW boomerang. Dark, dense hardwood with all over, running incised pattern. Length 69 cm

19th century Aboriginal hunting boomerang, Western Australia,…

Aboriginal Hunting Boomerang with Ochre and Incised Decoration

19th century Aboriginal hunting boomerang, Western Australia, with hooked end and incised decoration and ochre, on metal stand, height 70 cm. Provenance: Purchased Arthur Whall 15th August, 2016, then private collection Sydney

A superb, painted, early north Queensland boomerang, 19th…

Early North QLD Boomerang, 19th Century with Painted Surface

A superb, painted, early north Queensland boomerang, 19th century, Australia, signs of use, minor chips and wear to painted surface as per image length 61 cm

Ceremonial boomerang, kangaroo Dreaming 1975, old Mick…

Kangaroo Dreaming Boomerang

Ceremonial boomerang, kangaroo Dreaming 1975, old Mick Walankari Tjakamarra (c.1914-1996), Papunya, Western Desert, NT, Mulga wood and synthetic polymer, 66 cm. Provenance: painted during 1975 at Papunya, Western Desert, purchased at the Aboriginal and…

Two old boomerangs, both with incised designs, one has a spirit…

Boomerangs with Incised Designs from Lord McAlpine Collection

Two old boomerangs, both with incised designs, one has a spirit figure on both sides. Provenance: Lord Alistair McAlpine (1942-2014); a British businessman, politician and author who was an advisor to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, he was a lifetime…

Australian Aboriginal hunting boomerang, of curved form,…

Australian Aboriginal hunting boomerang, of curved form, incised patterning to one end, good patina, length 70 cm. Provenance: Arthur Palmer, then private collection, Queensland

Fine engraved boomerang, Western New South Wales / Southern…

Engraved Boomerang from Western NSW/Southern QLD

Fine engraved boomerang, Western New South Wales / Southern Queensland. Carved and engraved hardwood. Of convex section with clipped ends, the front incised with linear striations and linked ovoid designs, old patina overall, length 73 x 5.5 cm.…

Early engraved boomerang, Western New South Wales / Southern…

Engraved Boomerang from Western NSW/Southern QLD

Early engraved boomerang, Western New South Wales / Southern Queensland, carved and engraved hardwood (with custom stand) of convex section with clipped ends, the face with linear, criss-crossed and linked diamond patterns, the reverse bearing fine…

Fine elegant boomerang, Darling River Region, New South Wales,…

Elegant Boomerang from Darling River Region

Fine elegant boomerang, Darling River Region, New South Wales, carved and adzed hardwood (no custom stand) boomerang with characteristic fine tooling, from the Darling River region of New South Wales. With their elegant forms and beautiful…

Four Boomerangs, Western Australia, Central Desert, South East…

Boomerangs Across Australia

Four Boomerangs, Western Australia, Central Desert, South East Australia, carved wood and natural earth pigment, largest 72 cm

Rare Return boomerang, lower Murray River, South Australia.…

Rare Murray River Boomerang

Rare Return boomerang, lower Murray River, South Australia. Carved and engraved hardwood and natural pigment. Provenance: Dr Gerald Holt Collection H111. Lord McAlpine Collection Lake Collection, Sydney. Approx. length 45 x 6 cm

Boomerang, classic decoration to the front, & fluted decoration…

Fluted Boomerang from Coopers Creek

Boomerang, classic decoration to the front, & fluted decoration to the reverse. Coopers Creek, South Australia, length 61 cm

Two early carved Aboriginal boomerangs, stone carved, excellent…

Aboriginal Stone Boomerangs with Patina (2)

Two early carved Aboriginal boomerangs, stone carved, excellent patina, length 53c, 59 cm (2)

A carved Central Australian boomerang, 99 cm length

Carved Central Australian Boomerang: 99cm Length

A carved Central Australian boomerang, 99 cm length

Two early central Desert hunting boomerangs, both with fine…

Central Desert Hunting Boomerangs with Ochre Traces

Two early central Desert hunting boomerangs, both with fine linear striations, traces of ochre, use and old patina. Provenance: Lord Alistair McAlpine (1942-2014); a British businessman, politician and author who was an advisor to Prime Minister Margaret…

Large 19th century Australian Aboriginal boomerang lake Eyre,…

Large 19th century Australian Aboriginal boomerang lake Eyre, South Australia, of large heavy form, incised with bands of decoration running along each side, length 103 cm. Provenance: Jon Saussehrd, then private collection, Queensland

Two Boomerangs, Lake Eyre district, South Australia, with very…

Fine Decorated Boomerangs from Lake Eyre, Australia

Two Boomerangs, Lake Eyre district, South Australia, with very fine linear decoration front and back, late 19th century, 82 cm and 84 cm

Rare engraved return boomerang, Western New South Wales /…

Engraved Return Boomerang with Diamond Patterns

Rare engraved return boomerang, Western New South Wales / Southern Queensland. Of convex section, the face with linear, criss-crossed and linked diamond patterns, old patina overall. Carved and engraved hardwood. Provenance: Private Collection, Queensland…

Two old boomerangs, left: an early stone carved hunting…

Antique Boomerangs from Lord McAlpine's Collection

Two old boomerangs, left: an early stone carved hunting boomerang, Western Australia, right : an early highly curved returning boomerang, made from hardwood, Southeast Australia, early 20th century. Provenance: Lord Alistair McAlpine (1942-2014); a…

Two hooked boomerangs, Central Australia (1970), carved wood…

Central Australian Carved Boomerangs with Natural Pigments

Two hooked boomerangs, Central Australia (1970), carved wood and natural earth pigments, 69.5 cm; 74.5 cm high (2). Provenance: Private Collection, South Australia

Three Boomerangs, Queensland, Eastern and South Eastern…

Late 19th Century Boomerangs from Eastern Australia

Three Boomerangs, Queensland, Eastern and South Eastern Australian origin, late 19th century, 54.5 cm, 63.5 cm and 74 cm

Two early central Desert hunting boomerangs, both with fine…

Early Central Desert Hunting Boomerangs with Provenance

Two early central Desert hunting boomerangs, both with fine linear striations, traces of ochre, used and old patina. Provenance: Lord Alistair McAlpine (1942-2014); a British businessman, politician and author who was an advisor to Prime Minister Margaret…

Early large engraved boomerang, Western New South Wales /…

Engraved Boomerang from Western NSW/Southern QLD

Early large engraved boomerang, Western New South Wales / Southern Queensland, carved and engraved hardwood (no custom stand) of bi-convex section, face engraved with sinuous designs, possibly representing the travels of a dreaming ancestor or the course…

Early Aboriginal hunting boomerang. Long flattened crescent…

Aboriginal Hunting Boomerang with Handgrip Scoring

Early Aboriginal hunting boomerang. Long flattened crescent form. Lightly worked scored surface & remnants of handgrip transverse scoring. Provenance: Bungan Castle Museum collection.

Fine early fighting boomerang, South East Queensland. Of…

Crescent Boomerang with Elongated Striations

Fine early fighting boomerang, South East Queensland. Of crescent form, the ribbed surface replete with fine elongated striations, and dark glossy patina. Carved and engraved hardwood. Provenance: Guy Earl Smith auction, 6 August 2006, lot 89. Private…

Elegant boomerang, Darling River Region, New South Wales.…

Elegant Boomerang from Darling River Region, NSW

Elegant boomerang, Darling River Region, New South Wales. Boomerang with characteristic fine tooling, from the Darling River region of New South Wales. With their elegant forms and beautiful light-reflecting surfaces, these were fighting weapons used by…

Three old hunting boomerangs, 19th/early 20th century; with…

Antique Hunting Boomerangs with Incised Designs

Three old hunting boomerangs, 19th/early 20th century; with incised designs. Provenance: Lord Alistair McAlpine (1942-2014); a British businessman, politician and author who was an advisor to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, he was a lifetime collector…

Early fine engraved boomerang, Western New South Wales /…

Engraved Boomerang from Southern Queensland

Early fine engraved boomerang, Western New South Wales / Southern Queensland. Carved and engraved hardwood. Of convex section, the face engraved with varying traditional motifs, old patina overall. Approx length 70 x 6.5 cm. Provenance: Private Collection…

Two boomerangs from the private collection of renowned explorer…

Howitt's Boomerangs: 19th Century Australian Artifacts

Two boomerangs from the private collection of renowned explorer & anthropologist Alfred Howitt. Western New South Wales (74 cm) & South Eastern Australian (45 cm) origins, 19th century. Howitt was appointed leader of the Victorian Relief Expedition in…

An early boomerang, Darling River Region (nineteenth century),…

Nineteenth Century Boomerang from Darling River Region

An early boomerang, Darling River Region (nineteenth century), carved hardwood, 75 cm long. Provenance: Private Collection, Sydney

19th century Aboriginal hunting boomerang. Sword form with…

Aboriginal Hunting Boomerang from Bungan Castle Museum Collection

19th century Aboriginal hunting boomerang. Sword form with broad, flat section end. Lightly scored surface. Provenance: Bungan Castle Museum collection.

Early Aboriginal hunting boomerang. Long flattened crescent…

Aboriginal Hunting Boomerang - Bungan Castle Collection

Early Aboriginal hunting boomerang. Long flattened crescent form. Lightly worked scored surface and remnants of handgrip transverse scoring. Provenance: Bungan Castle Museum collection. Length 80 cm

19th century Australian Aboriginal boomerang, c.1880, Darling…

19th century Australian Aboriginal boomerang, c.1880, Darling River Region, of slight curved form, incised with fine fluting to both sides, length 85 cm. Provenance: Arthur Beau Palmer gallery, 2006, then private collection, Queensland

Early engraved boomerang, Western New South Wales / Southern…

Engraved Boomerang with Sinuous Designs

Early engraved boomerang, Western New South Wales / Southern Queensland. Carved and engraved hardwood. Of bi-convex section with clipped ends, face engraved with sinuous designs, possibly representing the travels of a dreaming Ancector or the course of a…

19th century Sydney basin boomerang. Stone-worked hardwood with…

Sydney Basin Stone Boomerang

19th century Sydney basin boomerang. Stone-worked hardwood with single band incision. Striated handgrip. Weathered. Provenance: Bungan Castle Museum collection, length 76 cm

Gert Sellheim, (Estonia, Australia, 1901-1970). Australia…

Boomerang Travel Poster

Gert Sellheim, (Estonia, Australia, 1901-1970). Australia [Boomerang], 1957 colour and process lithograph, signed in image upper right, 100 x 63 cm. Linen-backed. Text continues 'Australian National Travel Association, Railway Building, Flinders Street,…

Australian Aboriginal hooked fighting boomerang No.7, central…

Aboriginal Fighting Boomerang with Fluting and Painted End

Australian Aboriginal hooked fighting boomerang No.7, central Desert, of typical form, with fine incised fluting and painted end, in tones of black and white, cross hatched handle end, length 70 cm. Provenance: Arthur Beau Palmer gallery, 2007, then…

Large fine early engraved boomerang, Western New South Wales /…

Engraved Boomerang from Southern Queensland

Large fine early engraved boomerang, Western New South Wales / Southern Queensland. Carved hardwood. Of bi-convex section with clipped ends, face engraved with sinuous designs, possibly representing the travels of a dreaming Ancector or the course of a…

Elegant boomerang, Darling River Region, New South Wales.…

Elegant Boomerang from Darling River Region, NSW

Elegant boomerang, Darling River Region, New South Wales. Boomerang with characteristic fine tooling, from the Darling River region of New South Wales. With their elegant forms and beautiful light-reflecting surfaces, these were fighting weapons used by…

18th century Australian Aboriginal boomerang, New South Wales,…

Aboriginal Boomerang with Incised Decoration from 18th Century

18th century Australian Aboriginal boomerang, New South Wales, of curved form, with incised decoration to the body, on metal stand, height 77 cm (boomerang). Provenance: Casey collection, USA, then Arthur Whall, then private collection, Sydney

An incised South Western Queensland boomerang, 104 cm length

South Western QLD Boomerang, Incised, 104 cm

An incised South Western Queensland boomerang, 104 cm length

19th century Aboriginal sword boomerang, Paroo river, with…

Aboriginal Sword Boomerang with Stone Cut Motif

19th century Aboriginal sword boomerang, Paroo river, with stone cut motif, and incised line decoration to the centre, length 76 cm. Provenance: Baldwin Spencer, then Adolf Albers/Bungan castle, then Davidsons Auctions, lot 1 2016, then private collection…

Three early south East Australian boomerangs, 19th century;…

19th Century SE Australian Boomerangs from McAlpine Collection

Three early south East Australian boomerangs, 19th century; finely stone carved and in good condition. Provenance: Lord Alistair McAlpine (1942-2014); a British businessman, politician and author who was an advisor to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, he…

Rare large fighting boomerang, Western New South Wales / South…

Rare Large Fighting Boomerang with Fluted Surface

Rare large fighting boomerang, Western New South Wales / South Australia border Region. With regular fluted surface back and front, dark old patina. Carved and engraved hardwood. Provenance: Lord McAlpine Collection. Private Collection, Sydney. Approx.…

A boomerang, Queensland with finely incised traditional designs.…

Finely Incised Boomerang with Traditional Designs

A boomerang, Queensland with finely incised traditional designs. Length 66 cm

Rare incised hooked boomerang, Coopers creek, South Australia.…

Rare Incised Hooked Boomerang from Coopers Creek, South Australia

Rare incised hooked boomerang, Coopers creek, South Australia. Carved and engraved hardwood and natural pigment. Approx length 68 x 27 cm. Provenance: Private Collection, Queensland.

Four Australian Aboriginal boomerangs (central and Western…

Aboriginal Boomerangs: Carved Hardwood Collection from Mid-20th Century

Four Australian Aboriginal boomerangs (central and Western Australia) mid 20th century, carved and incised hardwood, Sizes: length 62 cm, 72 cm, 76 cm & 82 cm. The number 7 and mulga-wood boomerang executed in Central Australia; the two hardwood…

Superb engraved boomerang, Western New South Wales / Southern…

Engraved Boomerang from Western NSW/Southern QLD

Superb engraved boomerang, Western New South Wales / Southern Queensland. Of convex section, the front incised with linear striations and linked ovoid designs, the reverse with finely adzed surface, old patina overall. Carved and engraved hardwood.…

A Northwest boomerang c.1900 fine incised pattern, remains of…

Fine Incised Northwest Boomerang with Ochre Decoration

A Northwest boomerang c.1900 fine incised pattern, remains of ochre decoration. 55 cm

Rainforest cross boomerang, Queensland. A cross boomerang made…

Rainforest Cross Boomerang from Queensland

Rainforest cross boomerang, Queensland. A cross boomerang made of two elongated oval wooden sections of similar size set at right angles in center and secured with lawyer cane and resin. The surface is painted in the characteristic Queensland rainforest…

19th century Australian Aboriginal boomerang, Western…

Aboriginal Boomerang with Fine Incised Decoration

19th century Australian Aboriginal boomerang, Western Queensland, finely incised line decoration, on stand, length 60 cm (boomerang). Provenance: Purchased Arthur Whall, 18th Oct 2016, then private collection, Sydney

Fine elegant boomerang, Darling River Region, New South Wales.…

Elegant Boomerang from Darling River Region

Fine elegant boomerang, Darling River Region, New South Wales. Boomerang with characteristic fine tooling, from the Darling River region of New South Wales. With their elegant forms and beautiful light-reflecting surfaces, these were fighting weapons used…

Three Australian Aboriginal boomerangs (Queensland) early 20th…

Aboriginal Boomerangs: Carved Hardwood from Central Australia

Three Australian Aboriginal boomerangs (Queensland) early 20th century, carved and incised hardwood, Sizes: length 69 cm, 71 cm, & 81 cm. Other Notes: Executed in Central Australia in the early 20th century. Provenance: Estate of Mr Gary Bradley, Victoria…

An impressive boomerang, probably Broome, North Western…

North Western Australian Boomerang

An impressive boomerang, probably Broome, North Western Australia, (nineteenth century), carved wood and earth pigments, 67 cm high. For two related examples see, Philip Jones, boomerang; Behind an Australian Icon, Ten speed Press, California, 1997, p. 39…

A large boomerang, South West Queensland (nineteenth century),…

Southwest Queensland Boomerang, 19th Century, Carved Hardwood

A large boomerang, South West Queensland (nineteenth century), carved hardwood, 93.5 cm high. Provenance: Private Collection, Melbourne

A fine and early boomerang, Darling River, South West…

19th Century Boomerang with Incised Linear Motif

A fine and early boomerang, Darling River, South West Queensland, 19th century, carved hardwood, reverse decorated with fine incised linear motif, 111 cm long. Provenance: Private Collection, United Kingdom (acquired at auction 1960s), thence by descent

An early engraved boomerang, South East Australia (early…

Engraved Boomerang from Early 19th Century Australia

An early engraved boomerang, South East Australia (early nineteenth century), carved hardwood, 51.5 cm high. Provenance: Private Collection, United Kingdom. Private Collection, Melbourne

A rare fishing boomerang, possibly South Australia, carved…

Rare South Australian Fishing Boomerang

A rare fishing boomerang, possibly South Australia, carved hardwood, 59.1 cm high. For two related examples see Philip Jones, boomerang;, Behind an Australian Icon, Ten speed Press, California, 1997, pp. 52-53, where he describes the illustrated examples…

A fine boomerang, South West Queensland (nineteenth century),…

Nineteenth Century Boomerang from South West Queensland

A fine boomerang, South West Queensland (nineteenth century), carved hardwood, 85.5 cm high. Provenance: Private Collection, Melbourne

19th century Aboriginal hunting boomerang. Mild hook form,…

Aboriginal Hunting Boomerang from Bungan Castle Museum

19th century Aboriginal hunting boomerang. Mild hook form, broad flat end & bulbous terminal to hand grip. Lightly scored surface. Provenance: Bungan Castle Museum collection.

Three clubs and two boomerang, Queensland (circa 1900), carved…

Queensland Aboriginal Weapons - Thompson Collection

Three clubs and two boomerang, Queensland (circa 1900), carved hardwood, 59.5 cm; 61.5 cm 63.5 cm; 74 cm; 40 cm (5). These three clubs and two boomerang were collected by Darcy Thompson of St Mary's, Sydney. Thompson worked on properties in Queensland…

Lin Onus (1948-1996), two pokerwork decorated boomerangs, each…

Lin Onus Boomerangs with Pokerwork Decoration

Lin Onus (1948-1996), two pokerwork decorated boomerangs, each inscribed verso, Lin Onus, Wirad-jiri Arilie, Australia, 14, and 16, 38 cm and 42 cm long