Boomerang purchased by Winfield Ira Flanigan in Sydney during visit of Great White Fleet, 1908

When this item was purchased in 1908, traditional Aboriginal boomerangs were still a vital part of Aboriginal culture and had a wide range of uses beyond just being a throwing weapon. They were used for hunting, fishing, as battle clubs, and even as musical instruments. Boomerangs were also used as fire starters, digging sticks, and for ceremonies.
Boomerangs were either returning or non-returning. The former could be thrown to simulate a hovering hawk, frightening birds into nets or making them vulnerable to non-returning boomerangs. The latter were used to hunt birds, fish, and other animals.

This particular boomerang was one of two purchased by U.S. Navy sailor, Winfield Ira Flanigan, on 23 August 1908 when on liberty in Sydney. Winfield served on the U.S.S. Connecticut, the flagship of the American Great White Fleet.
The boomerang was purchased for our collection from Winfield's great-grandson. Other relations had produced a comprehensive bound document in 2003 including diary entries and photographs taken by Winfield on the Pacific Cruise July 1908 - February 1909. This was purchased with the boomerang, giving an insight into life on one of the vessels on this worldwide tour. It also gives provenance, as Winfield wrote of buying the boomerang in his diary.