Very interesting. Wanting to add something to this thread I am adding some Native American throwing sticks with the text from "Indian & Eskimo Artifacts of North America, Charles Miles 1967 Bonanza Books"
Rabbit sticks of boomerang type (but not returning) (1.60) top to bottom, three historic-period Southwest types, two with boomerang curves and one (maybe a loom batten) with propeller twist; and three prehistoric types, two grooved, Basket-maker types and a California stick from a San Bernardino County cave; (1.61) close-ups of two historic rabbit stick handles, Navaho and Hopi, and two prehistoric Basketmaker grooved types (Note repair reinforcements of sinew, and wire lashing.)
Rabbit sticks were thrown with the inside curve to the victim and their shapes caused them to bounce and jump instead of sliding. The Australian returning sticks united curve, propeller twist, and cambered cross sections to achieve these properties.
I have added the text as written. When the author say pre-historic he means pre white settlement rather than earlier. Unless he has made a mistake about the one with wire on the repair. African throwing sticks are much more dramatic in form. Hopefully more will be added.
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