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This artifact, commonly known as a bullroarer, is part of the Museum\u2019s education collection, used to teach students of all ages.\u00a0 Bullroarers are one of the earliest artifacts that can be classified as a musical instrument, having been used by many different cultures over nearly 20,000 years.\u00a0 Bullroarers are used by holding the string in one hand and whirling the piece of wood.\u00a0 As it moves through the air, it creates a low pitched sound capable of traveling long distances.<\/p>\n
Today, bullroarers are most closely associated with the Aboriginal people of Australia; however, we do not know what they call the instrument as they do not share their name for it with non-Aboriginal people.\u00a0 Australian Aboriginal people use the bullroarer during initiation ceremonies and other rituals, including burials.\u00a0 The sound is thought to ward off evil spirits.\u00a0 Traditionally, bullroarers are used only by men.\u00a0 Women are prohibited from using, touching, or in some cases, even seeing one.<\/p>\n
This bullroarer, which was made for the tourist trade, is decorated with an image of the Rainbow Serpent, an important creator god in Aboriginal mythology.<\/p>\n
For the month of July 2018, this bullroarer will be available at the Museum\u2019s front desk for visitors to handle.\u00a0 We will also have a bullroarer that visitors can play with, as well as a children\u2019s book about the Rainbow Serpent.\u00a0 Come visit us to check it out!<\/p>\n