jalkkaji, wamirri

Like and arrow fired from a bow, a spear thrown from a spearthrower travels with more force and accuracy than one thrown by hand. Using a spearthrower, a hunter does not need to run-up before his throw. This allows him to creep as close as 10 or 20 metres from his prey and throw the spear with enough force to ensure a quick kill. Displayed here are three types of spearthrower used by the Warumungu people the thin, flat one (top) is called a wamirri. The other two types, although quite different in shape, are both called jalkkaji. All have a handgrip at one end and a hook at the other. This fits into the base of the spear, enabling it to be launched. Several of the jalkkari have cutting stones in the handles so they can also be used as adzes. They can also be used as firesaws. Before the introduction of matches, firedrills (above) and firesaws were the two main methods used by Warumungu people to make fire.