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From the Stone Age to the
New Millennium
A brief history of boomerang origins

Aerodynamic throwsticks were developed by Stone Age civilizations in different
 parts of the world thousands of years ago. The Australian aborigines are 
the best known; however, these special hunting weapons were also developed 
in other areas including ancient Egypt, the American Southwest, and eastern 
Europe. While there are many stories of how the returning boomerang came to 
be (many rooted in myth and misinterpretation), most anthropologists agree that 
it originated from the throwstick. 

The throwstick, called a kylie by the native Australians and a rabbit stick by the 
Hopi people of pre-European America, was a heavy, non-returning aerodynamic 
weapon thrown horizontally to kill or stun prey. At some point (perhaps by accident) 
the stick became more curved and refined (and much lighter) so that, when thrown 
vertically, it would return to the thrower. These true boomerangs were probably only 
used for fun and games, not as weapons. 

Today's modern boomerangs are sports equipment and should be treated with the 
same respect as a baseball. Baseballs and boomerangs both can be dangerous 
when used carelessly. When used properly, they are safe and fun.