This type of stone tooled Aboriginal throwstick was used by most of the Aboriginal groups throughout Central Australia and trading extensively. Hunters would normally carry at least 2 of these with them at all times. This example is a little heavier than the average throw stick and it is well proportioned. The upper surface has longitudinal grooves running from tip to tip. The lower surface has shallow adze flaking. Red ochre covers the surface on both sides. There are some natural wood flaws as well as some chips that make the surface and edges less than perfect, but these flaws were present when this throwstick was manufactured and they are not secondary damage from use. These Central Desert throwsticks have the longest straight line flights of any Aboriginal throw stick. They were used for hunting, fighting, lighting fires by friction when rubbed on a shield, digging and for many ceremonial purposes. Used properly one of these could easily fell an emu from 40-60 metres. This one was probably made in the mid 20th Century. Length = 67 cm. Weight = 506 gm.