Ceremonial Bull Roarer, c. 1900
Aborigineexpand_more
Woodexpand_more
The Africa, Oceania and the Americas Miscellaneous Purchase Fund and gift of funds from the Surdna Foundationexpand_more 99.163.2
On View in Gallery 256expand_more
Bull roarers were used in Aboriginal ceremonies to represent the voices of the spirits. They were swung rapidly around the head on a string, creating a loud humming sound. The incised designs on the surface are a classic form in Aboriginal art, but their specific interpretation is known only to the object's creator and those associated with its ceremonial use. Specific clans and individuals own and control particular patterns, and rarely share the meaning of these designs with outsiders.
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- Title
- Ceremonial Bull Roarer
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 99.163.2
- Curator Approved
This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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