Indigenous tools and weapons

Indigenous tools and weapons, used for an assortment of purposes were fairly basic and of simple design, but they were very well suited to the indigenous peoples hunting and gathering needs. Not only were tools developed for use on land, but fishing needs required tools adapted for use in the water. (i.e.. more streamlined) Common weapons and tools used by men included: Spears, woomeras (spear throwers), clubs and stone axes to hunt and catch animals and fish. The women used slightly less violent tools, since their daily tasks involved collecting berries, seeds flowers and an assortment of other foods. Common itinerary for women included: Carrying dishes, digging sticks and grinding stones. Tools were very much required to catch, collect, prepare, eat and store food. Kangaroo, goanna, barramundi, dugong, quandong, native fig and ants were just some of the vast array of food favoured for eating by the indigenous peoples.Stone, wood, bone, shell, teeth, plant fibre and animal hide were amongst the most common materials for making tools and weapons.

Below I have listed the main tools and weapons used by the Indigenous race.

1) The boomerang is by far the most recognised weapon of the indigenous race by people not only in Australia but also all over the world. Lighter versions of this arch shaped weapon were designed for knocking out or killing smaller animals, and were specially developed in order to return to the thrower after completing a wide arch through the air. Heavy versions did not return to the thrower, although its weight meant it could be used to knock down large animals or even other people. Boomerangs were also used to clear grass, rake away gravel, or sometimes to be used as a chisel. Decorated boomerangs were used for rituals on special occasions.

2) Clubs varied from light versions, used for throwing, and heavy, for fighting, clubs would differ in design depending on which region they were from. The heads of the clubs could be round, pointed or jagged. Clubs used for throwing would move about as they flew threw the air and would bounce off the ground on impact.

3) Spears were made from wood, root or stem, and were shaped by being placed over hot ashes, then they were smoothed by hands or feet, the bark was removed and polished with stone and greased with animal fat. Spears were used in battle, for fishing or hunting, and carved for use in ceremonies or sometimes they were placed in a bundle and shaken as a warning signal. They could be thrown by hand or with a spear-thrower, for extra force. The type of timber used varied depending on local materials. Reed spears were used in riverine areas. The blades of spears were made from bone, stone or by sharpening the head of the wooden shaft. Same were made with barbs or prongs.

4) A digging stick was a very common tool for an indigenous person to have and use. It would be sharp and one end and fire-hardened at both.

It was used to dig for tubers, knock down fruits or nuts, scour out wombats from smoked-out holes, poke at animals or beat them on the head, fire making or as a weapon.