Cattleman's Stockwhip in the Outback

by Lexa Harpell

Title

Cattleman's Stockwhip in the Outback

Artist

Lexa Harpell

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Photograph - Photographs

Description

The Australian stockwhip is an essential part of a cattleman's equipment to move cattle with the cracking sound it creates by the end cracker (tassel) when whipped in the air or on the ground. Whipping in the air produces the loudest sound.

Usually made from redhide or kangaroo hide of finely plaited strips. Kangaroo hide is more expensive and well renown.

They are made in various lengths depending on the use for walking around stockyards or traveling by horse.
The smaller stockwhip is short swift and easier to use. Larger men prefer the longer whips used for horseback.

There are five parts to the stockwhip.
The Stock or handle usually made of cane with plaited hide for a grip.
The Keeper holds or connects the handle to the thong.
The Thong determines the length and made in a 6 plait from redhide or a fine 8-12 plait from kangaroo hide.
The Fall is usually about 60 cms long attached to the end of the thong and is not plaited and the part that gets the most wear due to its tapering.
The Cracker is the end section of the stockwhip made from a 10 cm twisted piece of frayed rope - like a tassel.
Cattleman's Stockwhip in the Outback by Lexa Harpell.


When the stockwhip is cracked -the sound is created when the velocity of the cracker breaks the sound barrier and creates a sonic boom.

Stockwhips are also used to kill snakes which are a danger to the cattle.

Uploaded

July 12th, 2021

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