boomerangArticle Free Pass boomerang, curved throwing stick used
chiefly by the Aboriginals of Australia for hunting and warfare.
Boomerangs are also works of art, and Aboriginals often paint or
carve designs on them related to legends and traditions. In
addition, boomerangs continue to be used in some religious
ceremonies and are clapped together, or pounded on the ground,
as accompaniment to songs and chants. The Aboriginals used two
kinds of boomerangs and many varieties of boomerang-shaped
clubs. The returning boomerang (the name derives from the word
used by the Turuwal tribe in New South Wales) is light, thin and
well balanced, 12–30 inches (30–75 cm) in length, and up to 12
ounces (about 340 grams) in weight. It varies in shape from a
deep, even curve to almost straight sides of an angle. The ends
are twisted or skewed in opposite directions either as the
boomerang is being made or after it has been heated in ashes.
The boomerang is thrown with a vigorous action in which the
thrower may run a few steps