The History of Boomerangs

Boomerangs Have Been Around for a Very Long Time.

The earliest boomerang on record was found in Poland’s Carpathian Mountains. It was made from carved mammoth tusk. Tests conducted on the objects discovered in close proximity have estimated its age at 30,000 years.

Australian Aboriginals used boomerangs for hunting

Ten thousand years ago, Australian Aboriginals used boomerangs for hunting. They were made from bone or wood. These were not toys. They flew straight and were meant to kill prey or enemies. The Aboriginals used numerous types of clubs for hunting. Having never developed a bow and arrow, it’s likely the boomerang was a valuable weapon for long-range hunting. It was also used as a striking stick during up-close combat. The flying sticks could be used to flush birds from the brush into waiting nets. Even Indians in the California and Arizona region used them for hunting and fighting. 

The returning style of boomerang probably was invented when a hunter tried to adjust his weapon so it flew straighter. Instead, it took a circular path. The returning 'rang's flight path became predictable with a little more tweaking, leading to its recreational use. 

Boomerangs in Ancient Egypt

Commoners and royalty alike loved the flying sticks. In ancient Egypt, boy pharaoh King Tutankhamen had his own royal collection of hunting and returning boomerangs. After centuries of use, both versions of the 'rang were refined by using better materials and a more aerodynamic design. 

You might think that returning 'rangs are harder to make than straight-flying models. Actually, the straight-flying units have to be more precise, because they’re used for hunting, not sport. That means their performance has to be predictable and accurate.

Boomerangs Today

Nowadays, boomerangs are used mostly for sport. Their design has been improved via Computer Aided Design and advanced aerodynamic theory based on airplane wings. They are made from wood, plastic or composite materials. Some wooden 'rangs are beautifully polished hardwood. Plastic and composite 'rangs usually have a bright pattern imprinted on the side held closest to the body when it is thrown. 

You can find 'rangs today in the standard V-shape with varying angles for different purposes. They also come in three and four blade models with varying weights. The heavier 'rangs travel farther and faster than lighter ones.
The science and sport of 'rangs have merged to the point where competitions are held worldwide. Events for longest throw, fastest catch-and-throw and most accurate throw require different styles of 'rangs. The longest 'rang toss on record went over 425 yards.