There is a consistent and crucial distinction between two fundamental types of boomerangs, each designed for a specific purpose.
- The Returning Boomerang
- The Non-Returning Boomerang
The returning boomerang is the weapon that most fascinated European observers due to its unique aerodynamic properties. Its primary use was not for lethal combat, but for hunting birds and for amusement.
According to Carl Lumholtz, the warped boomerang that returns is “as a rule, used only as a toy.” He also observed that it was thrown into flocks of pigeons and ducks on rivers and lakes. William Kingston described its use as a sport while Barker noted that it was thrown in “friendly rivalry” and would soar high into the air before wheeling back to where the sender predicts that it would fall.
In contrast, the non-returning boomerang was a heavier, deadlier instrument designed for serious combat and hunting.
Lorimer Fison and A.W. Howitt in Kamilaroi and Kurnai explicitly states, “The boomerang was the fighting boomerang, which does not return to the thrower.” Carl Lumholtz confirms this for Western Queensland, noting that non-twisted boomerangs “are only for war and hunting” and “do not return when thrown.” William Buckley nearly lost his life to one, recalling it “split my shield in two” during a skirmish.
This type was a formidable weapon. Lucas described it as “longer and heavier” than the returning kind, noting “the wounds it inflicts are very severe.” John Morgan, recounting Buckley’s story, says they hurled it “with great force… spinning against the enemy.”
Baldwin Spencer and F. J. Gillen in The Native Tribes of Central Australia wrote, “The Central Australian native does not appear to have hit upon this contrivance [the returning boomerang]… his boomerang has a widely open curve, and the flat blade lies wholly in one plane.” They further clarify that the ornate, large boomerangs used for close-quarters fighting in the Centre are all of this non-returning type.