One of the most remarkable weapons invented by primitive man was the boomerang, which was first used by the aborigines of Australia. Boomerangs are pieces of hardwood variously shaped but usually formed to a simple curve. They are from 12 to 30 inches (30 to 76 centimeters) long and are usually flat on one side and convex on the other. The return boomerang is chiefly used in sport or for amusement. It is thrown forward in an overhand manner. At first, it travels in a vertical position, but it soon turns to the horizontal and sweeps upward. It may complete a large circle or a more complicated maneuver and then return to the ground in the vicinity of the thrower. These return motions are produced by the action of the air on the convex side of the boomerang and on the twisted ends. The nonreturn boomerang is used for hunting or for war. An expert might be able to cut a small animal almost in half at ranges up to 400 feet (122 meters). |