Backbencher

I think that it is safe to say that when most people think of a Boomerang, they think of a V-shaped, wooden object that, when thrown, returns to its starting point. This is true, for a small percentage of the boomerangs that exist. When looking at Aboriginal boomerangs, a wide variety exist. They come in many shapes and sizes, as well as offer many different functions. To the Aborigines this was a tool used more so for practicality above all, considering that a single boomerang could offer many functions. Although boomerangs are viewed as a hunting weapon, they have many different uses such as: percussive musical instruments, fire-starters, battle clubs, decoys for hunting waterfowl, and as recreational play toys just to name a few. With a combination of a net, an Aboriginal hunter would throw a boomerang into a flock of birds to scare them to fly upwards, while other hunters would be in the trees above the birds with a net. Boomerangs were also used to hunt larger prey such as Kangaroos and Wallabies. They would throw modified boomerangs that were larger and heavier at these marsupials feet to knock them down. They would also throw them at Emus, aiming at their necks. Tribal boomerangs may have been inscribed and painted with sacred designs meaningful to its holder. Boomerangs today are completely different. They can be made out of composite materials and designed to allow maximum aerodynamics. Competitions are held around the world with various events, such as long distance, accuracy, and trick catches. The current world record for long distance is 238 meters from a single throw.