Unusual notches on very old boomerang

chiefheadknocker · 7th January 2018, 10:11 AM

just recently acquired this old boomerang which was collected from Australia in the 1920s and was known to be an old one then , what I cant figure out is why it has notches/tally marks cut out on one side , I don't think this is a fighting boomerang , maybe they were to represent important ceremonies ?
any info would be very welcome

Robert · 7th January 2018, 10:39 AM

Could these possibly be tally-marks used to keep count of animals taken when using this particular piece for hunting?

Best,
Robert

chiefheadknocker · 7th January 2018, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert

Could these possibly be tally-marks used to keep count of animals taken when using this particular piece for hunting?

Best,
Robert

hi Robert , yes I did wonder this , but then I thought a boomerang of this age would of maybe taken more animals than this , I'm not sure ,difficult to know , I havnt seen any other boomerangs with similar marks ,
thanks for your reply

Sajen · 7th January 2018, 01:07 PM

Nice stone (?) carved boomerang!

Sorry can't be from help by your question.

Battara · 7th January 2018, 07:32 PM

Could they be for aerodynamic speed and lift?

Bob A · 8th January 2018, 06:13 PM

Vortex generators are often used on the leading edge of aircraft wings to permit the wing to operate efficiently at low speeds. If these notches have a similar effect, it would keep the boomerang flying at lower rotational speeds, presumably.

Vortex generator:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vortex_generator

Roland_M · 9th January 2018, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

Could they be for aerodynamic speed and lift?

I dont think so, because the notches are on the trailing edge, not on the leading edge.

I simply think, the notches are either a kind of simple decoration or (better idea) made for more grip during the throw.

Roland

7th January 2018, 10:11 AM	#1
chiefheadknocker Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 143	Unusual notches on very old boomerang just recently acquired this old boomerang which was collected from Australia in the 1920s and was known to be an old one then , what I cant figure out is why it has notches/tally marks cut out on one side , I don't think this is a fighting boomerang , maybe they were to represent important ceremonies ? any info would be very welcome Attached Images Last edited by chiefheadknocker; 7th January 2018 at 08:11 PM. Reason: extra pic

7th January 2018, 10:39 AM	#2
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Could these possibly be tally-marks used to keep count of animals taken when using this particular piece for hunting? Best, Robert

7th January 2018, 01:07 PM	#4
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,781	Nice stone (?) carved boomerang! Sorry can't be from help by your question.

7th January 2018, 07:32 PM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,220	Could they be for aerodynamic speed and lift?

8th January 2018, 06:13 PM	#6
Bob A Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 427	Vortex generators are often used on the leading edge of aircraft wings to permit the wing to operate efficiently at low speeds. If these notches have a similar effect, it would keep the boomerang flying at lower rotational speeds, presumably. Vortex generator: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vortex_generator