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Boomerangs as Weapons: History, Design, and Uses

Boomerangs as Weapons: History, Design, and Uses

History 

A boomerang is a throwable tool designed with curved edges that help it spin smoothly through the air and return to its thrower. Historically, boomerangs were used for hunting, sports, and entertainment, and they came in various shapes and sizes to suit different purposes. While often considered a symbol of Australia, ancient boomerangs have also been found in Africa, the Americas, and across Eurasia. For the Aboriginal people of Australia, the boomerang was not just a hunting tool but also a symbol of culture and art. This ancient invention showcases the intelligence of our ancestors and, through its centuries-old legacy, serves as a bridge connecting the past to the future.

Science behind Boomerang

The science behind the design of a boomerang is truly fascinating. It cleverly uses principles of aerodynamics and mechanics, allowing it to return to the thrower after being launched. Though it may look like just a simple piece of wood, its flight path reflects the thoughtful design of its makers. Traditional artisans not only preserved ancient craftsmanship but also integrated modern innovation, bringing this ancient art form to life again.

What many people don’t realize is that although the boomerang most commonly referred to today is the one invented by Australia's Indigenous people, it is not the only kind of boomerang in human history. In fact, archaeological discoveries in ancient Egypt and Europe have revealed bone or wooden boomerangs with similar functions and shapes. Additionally, some cultures in East Africa, India, and North America have also used boomerangs.

It’s important to note that, including those of the Aboriginal Australians, most boomerangs “spin” in the air because of their rotation after being thrown, rather than returning directly to the thrower's hand as many people might think.

Even so, compared to other types of throwing weapons, boomerangs have the advantage of staying in the air longer. While most hunting boomerangs don't complete a full return flight, they still follow a curved trajectory. So, what makes this curved hunting weapon superior to other projectiles?

Unlike familiar weapons like darts or bows and arrows, boomerangs don't have sharp edges to pierce or cut into prey. Instead, their damage comes from the blunt force generated by their weight. Many people believe that heavier objects need more power to travel farther, but boomerangs are an exception. Their flight principle is somewhat similar to that of a bamboo helicopter, allowing them to stay in the air longer and travel farther. The thinner edges of a boomerang reduce the surface area upon impact, which significantly increases the force. In survival scenarios, boomerangs are often used to hunt small birds, but they are also capable of hunting larger animals like kangaroos and emus.

Use of Boomerang

In numerous historical accounts, experienced Aboriginal Australians used boomerangs to strike the legs of large kangaroos or the necks of emus, bringing these large animals down with a single shot. Beyond hunting, boomerangs were also used in combat. Records from 19th-century Western explorers show that Aboriginal people often used boomerangs in one-on-one duels. However, unlike in hunting, boomerangs weren’t thrown in these duels; instead, they were wielded in close combat, where they were used as weapons in brutal hand-to-hand fighting.

Watch Laura demonstrate how to use a boomerang as a weapon!

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