Rock painting. A human being with a large head-dress, holding boomerangs. Mimi style. Mt. Brockman area, near Djerlandjat Rock.

Boomerang experts to throw at U.Va. April 21

“Many happy returns” takes on new meaning if you’re talking about boomerangs. Two men who are experts on the art and sport of this Aboriginal object will give a lecture and demonstration at U.Va. April 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at Carr’s Hill Field.

The event is free and open to the public. In case of rain, it will be held indoors at Albemarle High School in the gymnasium.

Ben Ruhe, honorary consultant in boomerang for the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and Larry Ruhf, who set a Guinness Book world record in boomerang throwing, will also give lessons after their presentation. Ruhe, the author of Many Happy Returns: The Art and Sport of Boomerang and Boomerang: How to Throw, Catch and Make It, is the brother of Edward L. Ruhe who collected a large portion of the Aboriginal art in the University’s collection, which was donated by John W. Kluge. Ruhf most recently served as coach of the American boomerang team at the 2000 Boomerang World Cup in Melbourne, Australia.