Aboriginal spears
Types of Tools
The Indigenous Aboriginals had many different weapons and tools to help them survive in the wild. The machines that we use today in modern times have all been derived in one way or another from the indigenous tools. They had to learn the hard way with lots of dangers and no technology or electricity at all. A few of their tools and weapons are; string, baskets, spears, shelters, axes and mats. They also came up with the ideas of twine, tanning, fire making, weapon tips, weapons, boats, message sticks, dishes and huts
The Indigenous Aboriginals had many different weapons and tools to help them survive in the wild. The machines that we use today in modern times have all been derived in one way or another from the indigenous tools. They had to learn the hard way with lots of dangers and no technology or electricity at all. A few of their tools and weapons are; string, baskets, spears, shelters, axes and mats. They also came up with the ideas of twine, tanning, fire making, weapon tips, weapons, boats, message sticks, dishes and huts
The Spears
There are a large variety of spears made by the Indigenous peoples of Australia. They were made for a variety of purposes and from a variety of materials. When making a spear, Aboriginal men would often use fire to help straighten or harden the wood. Hunting spears are usually made from Tecoma Vine. Spears were used for killing animals for food and also for fighting. Spears were very useful to the Indigenous people.
There are a large variety of spears made by the Indigenous peoples of Australia. They were made for a variety of purposes and from a variety of materials. When making a spear, Aboriginal men would often use fire to help straighten or harden the wood. Hunting spears are usually made from Tecoma Vine. Spears were used for killing animals for food and also for fighting. Spears were very useful to the Indigenous people.
How the Spear is Made
When the maker gets the vine they are curly. To straighten the vines the maker dried out the moisture by heating the branch over a small fire while it was still green. In the process of doing this the maker would shape it into the form that they wanted. After this process the maker would attach a wooden barb to the spear head using emu or kangaroo. The spears Could vary in size but the biggest one you would usually find would be about 270 cm long (9 feet).
When the maker gets the vine they are curly. To straighten the vines the maker dried out the moisture by heating the branch over a small fire while it was still green. In the process of doing this the maker would shape it into the form that they wanted. After this process the maker would attach a wooden barb to the spear head using emu or kangaroo. The spears Could vary in size but the biggest one you would usually find would be about 270 cm long (9 feet).
Tecoma Vine
Tecoma vines are not straight but they are curly. Tecoma is a genus of 14 species of shrubs or small trees in the trumpet vine family. The Tacoma is an evergreen so it is available year round. The Tecoma is also found as a bush. The Tecoma is native to Australia.
Tecoma vines are not straight but they are curly. Tecoma is a genus of 14 species of shrubs or small trees in the trumpet vine family. The Tacoma is an evergreen so it is available year round. The Tecoma is also found as a bush. The Tecoma is native to Australia.
Uses of a Spear
Spears which were made for killing large animals such as kangaroos and buffaloes needed to be made out of strong hardwood so it was able penetrate the skin. On the tip of these spears there was a sharp stone. The spears which were made for fishing used a lighter material and normally had a few barbed points. Bamboo could be used to make a number of points. Spears for bird hunting were also made from a light wood. They used spears for the birds when they were in flight so it would hit them and damage their wings and necks. Spears were also used for fighting. these spears had thick wood and barbs.
Spears which were made for killing large animals such as kangaroos and buffaloes needed to be made out of strong hardwood so it was able penetrate the skin. On the tip of these spears there was a sharp stone. The spears which were made for fishing used a lighter material and normally had a few barbed points. Bamboo could be used to make a number of points. Spears for bird hunting were also made from a light wood. They used spears for the birds when they were in flight so it would hit them and damage their wings and necks. Spears were also used for fighting. these spears had thick wood and barbs.
Spear Thrower
Spear Throwers were used with spears to be able to through the spear a further distance and with more force. A woomera is a wooden Australian Aboriginal spear-throwing device. The woomera is 2 to 3 feet (61 to 91 cm) in length. One end is 3 inches (8 cm) wide and possessing a hollow, curved cross-section while the other is more pointed and has a hook. The woomera was traditionally decorated with incised or painted designs that indicated belonging to a particular linguistic group.
Spear Throwers were used with spears to be able to through the spear a further distance and with more force. A woomera is a wooden Australian Aboriginal spear-throwing device. The woomera is 2 to 3 feet (61 to 91 cm) in length. One end is 3 inches (8 cm) wide and possessing a hollow, curved cross-section while the other is more pointed and has a hook. The woomera was traditionally decorated with incised or painted designs that indicated belonging to a particular linguistic group.
Bibliography
http://members.ozemail.com.au/~mmichie/engag_t&w.htm
http://www.mbantua.com.au/aboriginal-weapons/
http://www.boethingtreeland.com/plant-type/vines/tecoma-stans.html
http://members.ozemail.com.au/~mmichie/engag_t&w.htm
http://www.mbantua.com.au/aboriginal-weapons/
http://www.boethingtreeland.com/plant-type/vines/tecoma-stans.html