Atlatl

A New World version of a spear-throwing device, used by the Aztecs and other peoples of the Americas. It consisted of a wooden shaft used to propel a spear or dart and it functioned like an extension of the arm, providing more thrusting leverage. Atlatl weights are objects of stone fastened to the throwing stick for added weight. These may be perforated so that the stick passes through the artifact, or they may be grooved for lashing to the stick. In western North America it was the main hunting weapon from about 6500 BC till 500 AD.

An American term for a spear-thrower, or device for increasing thrust when throwing a spear or similar projectile, by extending the length of the thrower’s arm. Usually it consists of a flat board or rod with a means of gripping at one end and a notch or hook to retain the projectile at the other. It was often used in conjunction with weights such as bannerstones, the precise purpose of which is uncertain.

A New World version of a spear-throwing device, used by the Aztecs and other peoples of the Americas. It consisted of a wooden shaft used to propel a spear or dart and it functioned like an extension of the arm, providing more thrusting leverage. Atlatl weights are objects of stone fastened to the throwing stick for added weight. These may be perforated so that the stick passes through the artifact, or they may be grooved for lashing to the stick. In western North America it was the main hunting weapon from about 6500 bc until ad 500. [atl-atl, spear thrower]