| Boomerangs were NOT just from Australia and were NOT really used for hunting. Hunting sticks or throw sticks were used for hunting. The earliest recorded throw stick ( some shaped like boomerangs ) were found about 23,000 years ago where Poland now exists. Boomerangs, as the word implies, return to the thrower were used a great deal for entertainment and recreational events amongst early cultures. Some early explorers documented watching early cultures train their children for wartime through the use of the returning boomerang. Many games were played by earlier cultures using this fabulous throwing stick. In order for a boomerang to boomerang ( return to the thrower) it had to be light enough ( 100 to 300 grams ) and be aerodynamic or it would fall like a rock in flight. Similarly, like an airplane if an airplane is made too heavy proportionate to its take off speed and air power it won't fly. This principle applies to a boomerang if a boomerang is made too heavy it will not fly and return. Because a boomerang has to be light to fly properly, if it were made for hunting it would not be heavy enough to do any damage to whatever it hit. Subsequently, hunting sticks were used for hunting. Hunting sticks were typically about a meter in length, with little curvature and could weigh up to 1 to 2 pounds. Because of the weight of a hunting stick it would not return to the thrower, however, because of its weight it would damage what it hit. The throwing stick or hunting stick were used as early as 5,000 B.C. Drawings of such sticks have been found in caves throughout Europe. Evidence would verify that some throwsticks were beautifully made with inlaid precious metals and ivory and were given as gifts to kings and royalty. Wood boxes containing ornate throwsticks and sticks shaped somewhat like boomerangs were discovered in the tomb of King Tutankhamun around 1300 B.C. Some evidence identifies the existence of the throwstick and boomerang like shapes throughout Africa, Europe, India, America and Australia.
Although many may think the boomerang was invented by the Australians research indicates the boomerang was most likely a product of early European culture and as well a product of ancient Asia and India.
The author of worldsgreatboomerangs.com and this web site has nearly 180 designs of boomerangs and throwsticks as well as samples of turn of the century specimens that are featured.
Although boomerangs need to be handled in a responsible manner they truly are a wonder of science and provide the ultimate in unique recreation, sport and for competition. Enjoy browsing through the site and shopping from the many designs of boomerangs and throw-sticks.
Boomerangs are made for both right and left hand throwers - the difference is the wings are shaped exactly opposite to the right hand boomerang and the throw is done in the opposite direction.
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