What is an ancient spear thrower?

The atlatl is an ancient weapon predating the bow and arrow. Essentially, it’s a throwing device using a spear (known as a dart) that uses leverage to give more velocity. Using a flipping motion can propel darts to speeds close to 80 mph. Today, a handful of states allow the use of atlatls during hunting seasons.

What is the spear thrower called?

Atlatl
Spear-thrower, also called Throwing-stick, or Atlatl, a device for throwing a spear (or dart) usually consisting of a rod or board with a groove on the upper surface and a hook, thong, or projection at the rear end to hold the weapon in place until its release.

How did spear throwers work?

The throwing arm together with the atlatl acts as a lever. The spear-thrower is a low-mass, fast-moving extension of the throwing arm, increasing the length of the lever. This extra length allows the thrower to impart force to the dart over a longer distance, thus imparting more energy and ultimately higher speeds.

What are some characteristics of spear throwers?

Although not a weapon it itself, the spear thrower is a device used to increase the speed, distance or force of a spear when thrown. This particular example is made of lightweight wood and has an elongated shape, together with ergonomic features to accommodate the human hand.

When was the invention of the spear thrower?

It may be much older. Spear throwers are a significant technological improvement on simply throwing or thrusting a spear, in terms of safety, speed, distance, and accuracy. Fast Facts: Atlatl The atlatl or spearthrower is a hunting technology which was invented at least 17,000 years ago by Upper Paleolithic humans in Europe.

What do you call a spear thrower with a bearing?

Atlatl in use A spear-thrower, spear-throwing lever or atlatl (pronounced / ˈætlætəl / or / ˈɑːtlɑːtəl /; Nahuatl ahtlatl [ˈaʔt͡ɬat͡ɬ]) is a tool that uses leverage to achieve greater velocity in dart or javelin -throwing, and includes a bearing surface which allows the user to store energy during the throw.

How did the atlatl spear thrower get its name?

There are many questions about the Atlatl with it being an ancient weapon, let’s start with the history of it. The name Atlatl comes from the Aztec language, Nahuatl. In Nahuatl, Atlatl means “spear thrower”.

What was the spear thrower in East Africa?

In East Africa an unusual form of spear-thrower consisted of a shaft of wood with a hollowed-out, swollen head into which the butt of the spear was placed. The man then manipulated the thrower as though it were a part of the spearshaft, but it did not leave his hand.

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