A boomerang discovered decades ago in a cave in southern Poland has now been dated to between 39,000 and 42,000 years ago, making it the oldest known example of such a tool in the world — and it doesn’t come back when thrown. Unearthed in 1985 in the Oblazowa Cave, the artefact was originally thought to be around 30,000 years old.
Now, new and more precise radiocarbon dating of bones found at the same site has pushed its age back by nearly 10,000 years, according to researchers cited by the BBC.
‘Remarkable insight’ into early human behaviour
The boomerang is unlike any other: it was carved with exceptional skill from a mammoth tusk. Scientists say the craftsmanship reflects a high level of sophistication among Homo sapiens living in Europe at the time. Dr Sahra Talamo of the University of Bologna said:
“It’s the oldest boomerang in the world, and the only one in the world made of this shape and this long to be found in Poland.”
The discovery provides “remarkable insight” into early human behaviour, she told the BBC.
While the tool was clearly shaped to fly when thrown, its aerodynamic design indicates it was not meant to return to the thrower. This suggests it was likely used for hunting or possibly for ceremonial purposes.
The boomerang is exceptionally well preserved. Marks along its surface suggest it had been polished and carved to be used by a right-handed individual.
Though boomerangs are typically associated with Aboriginal Australian culture, similar tools have been found across Europe and beyond.
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The oldest known Australian boomerang — made from wood — dates back about 10,500 years. In Europe, a 7,000-year-old wooden boomerang was found in Jutland, Denmark, while a 2,000-year-old oak version that does return was discovered in the Netherlands.
(With inputs from BBC)
