Purtanji
| Purtanji | |
|---|---|
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| Information | |
| Weapon type: | Spear thrower |
| Designations: | Purtanji |
| Use: | Throwing weapon |
| Region of origin / author: |
Australia , Aborigines |
| Distribution: | Certain areas of Australia |
| Overall length: | about 80 cm |
| Handle: | human hair, natural resin |
| Lists on the subject | |
The Purtanji is a spear thrower from Australia.
description
The Purtanji is made from the hard wood of the acacia . A bush of human hair is attached to the handle, which ensures a better hold of the sling when throwing. The hair is attached to the slingshot with the help of natural resin . From the handle , the shaft of the Purtanji runs round and thins towards the tip. The tip is hook-shaped and also coated with a small amount of resin at the extreme end to provide a better grip for the arrow that is hooked into the tip. The Purtanji is considered the best spear thrower in Australia and is used by Aboriginal tribes on the Gulf of Carpentaria (ethnicities of the Warramunga, Umbaja, Gnanji).
Individual evidence
- ↑ George Cameron Stone , Donald J. LaRocca: A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration and Use of Arms and Armor: in All Countries and in All Times. Courier Dover Publications, 1999, ISBN 978-0-486-40726-5 (reprint), page 518.