The boomerang that won’t come back?
Published 22 August, 2008, 13:13
Edited 25 September, 2009, 16:22
The boomerang that British explorer James Cook took from Australia more then three centuries ago should return to its place of origin, an Aboriginal leader said Friday. The iconic weapon is expected to fetch up to $US 113,000 at auction at Christie's.
Captain Cook was the first European to reach the southern continent when his ship, ‘Endeavour’, landed there in 1770. He collected the boomerang – which is to come under the hammer in September – in what is now Sydney.
There is no record on how the boomerang came into Cook’s possession. It has remained for generations with the family of the executor of his widow's will.
Aboriginal leader Merv Ryan said his Gweigal people believe that the artifact should be returned to the suburb of Kurnell in what is now Sydney bayside, reports the Associated Press news agency.
“Having the boomerang back in Kurnell will be a historic symbol of harmony between our two cultures and will help teach young Australians about the importance of Aboriginal culture,” Ryan said.
The Australian government is considering bidding for the boomerang.
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