Custodian: University of Glasgow Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery

Reference: GLAHM E.1928.56/1

Churinga are sacred objects which are usually kept in a secret place and only brought out for very special occasions. They can be made of shell, wood or stone and ones with a hole bored in one end are called bull roarers. The meaning of the markings on a churinga is only known to certain tribal members who have been instructed in sacred aspects of tribal history.

This churinga originated in north-western Australia.

Maker: not known

Material: shell

Dimensions: 135 x 25mm (at widest point)