The scarf was a gift from Australia's Older Women's Network, whose members were inspired by Ms Pelicot's bravery and wanted to give her something as a symbol ... an 83-year-old Aboriginal artist.

One theory centered on the lil-lil, a sharpened club. On balance, however, Westaway has singled out the most iconic Aboriginal symbol: the boomerang, a weapon with a long, surprisingly sharp edge.