Boomerang

A boomerang is a curved wooden device, which - if thrown correctly - returns to the location it was thrown from.

Often, a boomerang is confused with a non-returning hunting device known as throwstick. Boomerangs are never used for hunting, since they are usually very lightweight and fly in a circular way.

Boomerang-like devices, including throwsticks have been used all over the world for hunting, religious and recreational activities. Their origin is still not fully clear. Research shown that ancient tribes in Europe used special throwing axes. Also, in ancient Egypt a special type of stick was exclusively used by the pharaohs for hunting birds. But the world famous 'country of the boomerang' is Australia, where the aborigines have used boomerangs for thousands of years.

Today, boomerangs are used mainly in sports. There are different types of throwing contests. The modern sport boomerang - sometimes referred to as just 'boom' - is made of finnish plywood or plastic and comes in many different shapes and colors.