Hardwood beefwood bullroarer by Tom Barker

This beefwood bullroarer has been made by Tom Barker 'Woganurra" from the Murrawarri tribe in West NSW. It measures 31cm x 5cm

Tom learnt the traditional way to make returning boomerangs, clapsticks, bullroarers and weapons from his dad Roy Barker. Tom’s  mum and dad, June and Roy held a great Indigenous museum “Goondee Keeping Place” in Lightning Ridge for many decades and now with their passing Tom and his sister are keeping the museum alive and sharing their culture.

Bullroarers are an ancient communication tool. Swung around they make a loud pulsating sound that travelled far across the valley. It carried the message for tribe or neighbouring tribes to gather.