When Aborigines came out of the bush, they usually sought shelter at the Christian missions that were built at the interface between the bush and civilized areas. The Aborigines would set up camps at or near the missions and make artifacts to trade to the missionaries for sugar, flour, tobacco and other non-native goods. The missions would then sell the artifacts to tourists. The early transition artifacts were of very good quality and just like what the Aborigines made in the bush, but the missions would not buy these artifacts unless the Aborigines added non-indigenous art to make these artifacts more appealing to the tourists.

This hunting boomerang, or throwstick, is an early transition boomerang and the workmanship is very good. It is being offered for sale at a price that is equal to or less than what comparable items sell for on eBay. This boomerang was probably made in the mid 1900s. The art work is very similar to what was required of the Aborigines who sold artifacts to the Yalata Mission, located in South Australia. The wood is dark with blonde tips and edges. Both surfaces are smooth and without the adze marks that you generally find in Western or Central Desert artifacts. The upper surface has incised artwork depicting several kangaroos in a bush scene. There are a few small blemishes, probably resulting from the manufacturing process and not from misuse. At one of the interfaces between the dark and blonde wood, there is a stable age crack that is visible primarily from the undecorated side. This would make a nice display item. Length = 46 cm ; Weight = 104 gm