Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number CAS 0103-0013A,B   CAS 0103-0013A,B; Atlatl and shield
Category Weaponry
Object Name Atlatl and shield
Culture Australian Aborigine
Global Region Australia
Country Australia
State/Prov./Dist. Northern Territory
County
Other Geographic Data Darwin area
Maker's Name Unknown
Date of Manufacture ca. 1910-1920
Collection Name N/A
Materials Wood; Resin; Pigments
Description A: Atlatl (spear thrower); B: Parrying shield carved from single piece of wood, of characteristic elongated shape with rounded ends; One face is flat while opposite side is rounded; Heavy handle in center is carved in high relief; Front of shield is painted with series of white stripes running entire length of shield and 3 short white lines across center; Back face of shield is painted with series of alternating white and red lines at either end of shield.
Dimensions (cm) Width = A=4.0; B=10.8, Thickness = A=2.2; B=3.8, Length = A=94.6; B=60.9