INTRODUCTION
The boomerang that we are commonly aware of today is a boomerang that returns
back to the thrower. To those most familiar with boomerangs, it is actually
called the returning boomerang. However, there is a second group of non-returning
boomerangs that were used for hand to hand fighting, hunting, music and entertainment
by the Aborigines. A great deal of confusion exists about boomerangs because
these groups get mixed. For example, there is a commonly held impression that
a boomerang can be thrown to conk an enemy on the head and then return to
the thrower to be caught. This is patently false.
An understanding of the
derivation of the word "boomerang" (which has been subject to revisionist
history) helps to clear up this confusion.
Boomerangs are both rich in tradition and useful as modern day sport. An extended
glossary
of terms describe both their physical characteristics and use. For the
Aborigines, boomerangs are both an item of sport and an important part of
their culture.