A 600-year-old boomerang fragment from Riwi Cave (South Central Kimberley, Western Australia)

Abstract

A small fragment of a carefully shaped wooden artefact was recovered from Riwi Cave (south central Kimberley, Western Australia) during 2013 excavations. Directly dated to 670 ± 20 BP, analysis of the artefact’s wood taxon, morphology, manufacturing traces, use wear, and residues, in addition to comparison with ethnographic examples of wooden technology from the Kimberley region, allowed for the identification of the tool from which it originated: a boomerang. In particular, this artefact most closely resembles the trailing tip of a hooked boomerang, providing rare insights into the presence of these iconic fighting and ceremonial items in the Kimberley some 600 years ago.