The Leon-ile or Langeel (Fig. 62) is perhaps the most dangerous of all the weapons of this class. It is employed in single combat in the same way as the Kud-jer-oong, but because of the facility with which the point can be suddenly turned at the moment of striking, is difficult to avoid. Both combatants are protected by the Mulga. This is the instrument, I believe, which the natives of Lake Tyers name Darn-de-wan. In choosing wood for making this weapon the native endeavours to select a sapling, and a part of the root forms the head. Any hard tough wood is taken for the purpose.
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| FIG. 62–(Scale ⅛.) |
A weapon nearly of the same form as the Australian Langeel is found in New Caledonia.
A waddy (Fig. 63), said to have been made by the natives of Cooper's Creek, is different from any I have seen. It is a large and heavy weapon. The sunken parts are painted with a white clay, and the protuberances are colored a bright-red.
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| FIG. 63. |
The fighting-stick, Konnung (Fig. 64), of the native men, is much shorter than that carried by the women. It is not more than two feet six inches or three feet in length. It is employed in close combat principally, and dreadful wounds are inflicted by it sometimes. The warrior, holding it with the right hand by the middle, makes stabs into the neck, breast, and sides of his opponent, and not seldom forces the sharp point into the eye. This stick is used also as a missile, and with it the hunter can kill birds and small animals with ease and certainty. A weapon of a very similar character was in use amongst the natives of Tasmania.
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| FIG. 64. |
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| FIG. 65. |
The weapon Fig. 65 is from Queensland. Mr. Bridgman informs me that it is a double-pointed Nulla-nulla, called by the natives near Mackay Meero.
