Aboriginal Boomerangs - Hand Painted Boomerang |
|
We must admit that, after a great deal of research into Boomerangs via the internet and many written articles, in order to bring to you the very best information possible, the only "usable" piece of information we came up with is that it has been proven that Boomerangs have been used in countries other than Australia. Well, not much to offer you, so we will have to run with what we have learnt from the craftspeople from whom we purchase Authentic Australian hand made Boomerangs. 
Buy Boomerangs via the Artlandish Online Store Firstly - let's be honest and tell you - the most difficult artefact that we have found to be available to purchase is the good old boomer. Why? Because it is the most difficult and time-consuming of any indigenous artwork to make, taking into consideration its size and retail value. The first reaction we had from the people we asked was "Oh, but everyone wants to buy those pretty ones - just like you see in magazines and on postcards for Tourists". We explained that was exactly what we did NOT want. Then came the difficult part - the very people who can make boomerangs are painters, wood carvers, clever craftspeople. Their time can be spent in a much more lucrative way. But their generosity prevailed, and many agreed to the arduous task of making the boomerangs for us - in order to show the people worldwide what an authentic Australian Aboriginal Boomerang really is. We admit - we didn't encourage our painters to make them - their hands must be looked after like those of a surgeon! They are made from hard wood (ironwood in the Kimberley area) - shaped, smoothed down, sometimes "fired" as with bark for paintings and other artefacts - then treated with a preservative and finally, painted - although many of our boomerangs we asked to be presented in "natural" unpainted state, as were the "working" boomerangs, as opposed to the ceremonial ones. Shapes differ, from the familiar "pointed" shape favoured in the Northern Territory to the type used in the Kimberley - with one side being much shorter than the other (the long side equals the throwing side which is held by the user.) Right and left handed boomerangs were always made - the back of the boomer is flat and the top side very often slightly "rounded". The purpose of the boomerang in the Aboriginal life was for "hitting the target". In the event of this not happening, it landed back in the "general direction" from which it was thrown, providing nothing "got in its way" in the meantime. Aboriginal people possessed few tools - the ones they had, were put to good use. Primarily, the boomerang was used by the men for hunting animals, as was the digging stick used by women for food gathering. There was a second use for the boomerang - fighting. It is indeed a lethal weapon in skilled hands. We are not talking about hundreds of years ago - one of our painters, Jock Mosquito, explained the very deep scar on his head. He told us that when he was a teenager on Nicholson Station, he and others went to help fellow workers who were engaged in a dispute. Jock said he stopped a couple of boomerangs directed at him with a shield, but the third broke and the short side cut into his head. They certainly were not used as frisbees! Then there is the No.7 boomerang - shaped exactly as its name. Again, this was used for hunting, but was never made to return to the user. The point was meant to stay in the targeted animal until the hunter arrived on the scene. These boomerangs were also used extensively in aboriginal ceremonies, as were other boomerangs - for example, boy's initiation. They were used as musical instruments - rhythm section as with singing sticks - particularly for corroborees (Joonbas). Because our boomerangs are individually hand crafted, no two will be exactly the same. We can present on our site images of the types of boomerangs we have - if you order two, you will see the difference, yet the similarity will be apparent as to the intended use. Please Remember - Boomerangs are not to be taken lightly as a "play" toy - all care should be used when throwing boomerangs or any other "tool of flight". |
Did you know?
Boomerangs were not only used for hunting but to make music during Corroborees. Many Didgeridoo players would tap the boomer on the didgi whilst playing.
We Are A Member of
Customer Testimonials
- Customer Testimonials
I wanted to send on an enormous thank you to your family and its business.
I picked up the painting today from the framers, it is absolutely mesmerising.
Thanks for making the purchase of this beautiful artwork possible.
All the best to you, I hope your business prospers and thrives.
Should we consider another purchase in the coming years we will look you up,
and you will be highly recommended to anyone else we know who is interested in Aboriginal art.
Nyree, VIC
I received Deanne Peters's work today in the post.
This is the first ever piece of art that I have bought let alone through the Internet.
I love it. I appreciated the opportunity to buy a piece that I work afford within my
budget and I think it is a great idea to produce smaller pieces.
Now I just have to start saving for another.
Amanda, Ireland
Thanks so much. Ms Peter's work is absolutely beautiful.
I must stop looking at the website.
I'll run out of wall space!
Louise, ACT
Thanks so much for your e-mail, I am really looking forward to receiving my
paintings, and will let you know when they arrive.
Thanks so much for the kind friendly manner in which you have been with me,
I appreciate that.
Karen, UK
Thank you so much. I’m looking forward to receive Helen’s Water Dreaming.
I like the drawing and the colours a lot. Christopher Churchill’s Desert Nights is my favourite picture.
Often I pass by, have a look at it and smile. It is a very special picture for me.
Ursula, Switzerland
Just wanted to let you know I received my lovely painting.
Please pass on my thanks to Jeannie.
It's absolutely beautiful!
Lindy, VIC
Paintings arrived on Wednesday and they are great!
Thanks for your help.
Nathan, Canada
The two Alan Griffiths paintings arrived safely today.
So well packed. Thank you for dispatching them so punctually.
We are thrilled with them and currently debating wall alternatives.
Axel, NSW
My picture arrived this morning!!
It is quite wonderful.
Thank you so much for sending it.
Missing your red earth and sun.
Jill, UK
This is to let you know that the two
paintings by Churchill Cann and
Charlene Carrington arrived home safely
and in good condition.
They look beautiful on our walls.
Should you happen to see Churchill and
Charlene we would be very grateful if
you would thank them and let them know
how much we admire and respect their work.
Bill and Margo, ACT
The artworks have arrived.
All pieces are just beautiful.
Thank you very much.
Meg, UK
We recently purchased “Wild
Passionfruit and Tomato” by Margaret
Davis Kemarre during our visit to
your gallery in Kununurra. It was
delivered to our home in Sydney
last week. We just wanted to let you
know it had arrived safely and that
we are very happy with our purchase.
Thank you for your assistance.
Philip and Elizabeth, NSW
Just wanted to let you know that I've
received my art piece.I'm thrilled.
I appreciate the photo of Cindy & bio.
It makes it much more personal....
It's like I've met Cindy.
Give her my thanks and her willingness
to share her talent and vision.
Walt, USA
I've been meaning to send you a note to say thank you and we're very happy.
The painting arrived quickly and it's up on the wall and looks great.
Cathy, NSW
Just to let you know the artwork was well received today,
and I am very pleased with it.
Thanks again for your excellent service.
Lene, Denmark
The most beautiful Kudditji painting has arrived this morning, it is so magnificent.
It took my breath away!! Thank you very much.
Karen, NSW
I received my beautiful Bush Leaves canvas by Jeannie Petyarre last week.
I bought it on a very rushed visit to Kununurra enroute from Warmun to Darwin.
The minute I saw it I knew it was what I had been looking for.
It is at the framers now for stretching onto a frame. I can not wait to hang it in my home.
Thank you so much for getting it to me in such good condition.
I'm so glad I popped into your gallery for what I said would be a "quick walk through.
Luckily my friend in Warmun had said "make sure you go to Artlandish".
Having had the opportunity to spend time in an indigenous community
I feel blessed to have such a beautiful artwork.
Please place me on your mailing list.
Best wishes
Sue
Artlandish featured on Shop Safe
Artlandish are proud to be featured in ShopSafe.com's online gallery.
Shop Safe only include well designed secure online sites.
Click the link for more information on buying safely online