throwing spear atlatl throwing spear atlatl

But archeological evidence of Paleo-Indian atlatls and darts is lacking because these tools were often made of wood, which doesn't preserve well the only part of the weapons left in the archaeological record are the stone points, which could have also been used in other types of weapons, such as spears, Hutchings said. Good for individuals with small hands. To make an Atlatl thrower (and the corresponding spear) you will need at least two tree branches of moderate length, feathers, scissors, string, glue, and some sort of carving tool. It requires two operators unlike other spear-throwers. Before the bow and arrow, there was the atlatl! Dart shafts can be made thinner and highly flexible for added power and range, the fletching can be spiralized to add spin to the dart making it more stable and accurate. Over the busy holiday weekend through Monday, November 28, take some time and check out some of new items in our online catalog. [12] Most stratified European finds come from the Magdalenian (late upper Palaeolithic). Unique design with extended rest. 99. . Holiday Savings Continue! Laet, Sigfried J. de & International Commission for the New Edition of the History of the Scientific and Cultural Development of Mankind & International Commission for a History of the Scientific and Cultural Development of Mankind. More recently, studies by scholars such as John Whittaker and Brigid Grund have focused on the physics of atlatl throwing, and trying to parse out why people eventually adopted the bow and arrow. 3.3 3.3 out of 5 stars (4) $19.99 $ 19. Improvements made to spears' edge made it more efficient as well. Atlatl are an amazingly simple but effective. It makes the user store energy during the throw. Matt shows us how to use one of the most primitive yet highly efficient hunting tools. The earliest known spear-thrower of the South Americas had a proximal handle piece and is commonly referred to as an estlica in Spanish references to indigenous Andean culture[citation needed]. Matt shows us how to use one of the most primitive yet highly efficient hunting tools. Because different weapons spears, javelins, atlatls or bows produce specific fracture velocities and related forces, you can work backward from a fracture to determine what caused it. [Top 10 Mysteries of the 1st Humans]. Atlatl - Spear Throwing 11:00a to 12:00p Sat, March 18, 2023 Dinosaur Valley State Park Map & Directions Zachary Riggs (817) 776-3924 zachary.riggs@tpwd.texas.gov Download to Your Calendar Before the bow and arrow, there was the atlatl! Below youll find all of our spear-throwers and darts, and an explanation of their unique characteristics. Hand positioned closer to the center of the atlatl for increased balance. These atlatls are works of art that look great on display. Knecht, H. (1997) Projectile technology, New York, Plenum Press, 408 p. Perkins, W. (1993) "Atlatl Weights, Function and Classification". By measuring topographic features on the fracture surface, you can calculate the "fracture velocity" of the impact, or how quickly the fractures spread through the material, Hutchings explained. By swinging the spear-thrower overhead and forward, hunters could launch their darts with greater force than if they were to throw them like javelins. This is a dangerous weapon. Traditional, barebones atlatl similar to those found in antiquity. The Catatonk Hunter can be speed-loaded; you can ready darts by simply lining them up on the two lower rests and sliding them into place, without taking your eyes off of your target. In history, they were developed as hunting tools after the good old-fashioned spear, and before the bow. Prepare With The Winter Survival Guide, Prepper Projects To Perfect Your Prepping, Join The Best Online Survival Communities For Prepping Support, The Best Survival eBooks To Prepare For The Next Crisis. Thunderbird Atlatl makes a wide variety of different atlatls. Atlatl (1 - 40 of 265 results) Price ($) Shipping Atlatl Madness Dart Shaft Atlatlmadness (32) $14.00 Catatonk Atlatl with three atlatl darts ThunderbirdAtlatl (111) $125.00 FREE shipping All Natural 2 Piece Takedown Atlatl Darts LivingSkills (68) $54.53 Atlatl Dart, Practice - Take Down (3 Pieces) PrimitiveHandCrafts (36) $25.00 Atlatl Youre also going to learn about Atlatls design and how to throw one as well. The Survival Journal is the premier survival and preparedness newsletter. Check out our Free22Shipping coupon! The World Atlatl Association was formed in 1987[31] to promote the atlatl. Privacy Policy Terms of Use. They have theorized that banner stones may have been thought to act as a flywheel, stabilizing the motion of the spear throwing, or that it was not used during the throw at all, but rather to balance the spear when the atlatl was at rest. [10] Whittaker said the Aztecs started their battles with atlatl darts followed with melee combat using the macuahuitl. Her work has appeared in scholarly publications such as Archaeology Online and Science. Simple, functional, durable atlatl featuring a rest. The wood is selected for its grain as well as figure. The Thunderbird Atlatl email list is a great way to keep up-to-date on the happenings in the Atlatl world. The spear-thrower is a low-mass, fast-moving extension of the throwing arm, increasing the length of the lever. Use the coupon code SAVE10 and save $10 on orders over $100 through Friday, December 9. Timing, balance, consistency, and follow through will eventually lead to accuracy. For more information: Meet at the Chaparral Pavilion; Event starts at 3 PM; Bring water, closed toe shoes, and sunscreen; Open to adults and children- Kids must be 7 and over Check out the Which Atlatl should I choose? video. It is actually more economical to order more items than fewer as the oversize fee is a fixed cost and has nothing to do with weight. We also test how far I can throw the spear by hand vs how far Ryan can trow it with the aid of the atlatl.Don't forget to subscribe to the channel. Of these points, about half of them exhibited fracture velocities that can only be achieved using an atlatl and dart or a bow and arrow. Arrowhead Earrings, sinew, adhesives, large packs of hafting resin and, of course, our wide, variety of quality atlatls and darts! Where do Thunderbird Atlatls get their names from? The WAA keeps a list of world champions and ranking master atlatl throwers. Simply put, archaeologists do not know how old the technology is. The atlatl is held in one hand, gripped near the end farthest from the cup. Make your own atlatl from a kit Thunderbird Atlatl Kits. The Atlatl greatly improved spear-throwing speeds and distances. 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. There remains a bearing surface on it. Estlica and atlatl are therefore synonymous terms. This will stabilize the spear in flight. "People started wondering just how crazy you would have to be to run up to these things with just a sharp, broken rock tied to a stick.". It is built for maximum speed, without giving up any shooting stability. To understand the inner workings of extinct hunter-gatherer societies, it's important to first learn how the ancient peoples got the food they ate, because their lives were closely tied to their subsistence activities. Atlatl Carried by Aztec God Xiuhtecuhtli. [30] Another theory is that they were "arrow-straighteners". Our mission is to bring survival skills and self-reliance back to the modern man as they seem like they were lost decades ago. We would be happy to put your name on one of these boxes!We are fortunate to have Molly keeping a watchful eye on our staff. This extra length allows the thrower to impart force to the dart over a longer distance, thus imparting more energy and higher speeds.[5]. No rest cradle the dart between your fingers. [citation needed], There are numerous atlatl competitions held every year, with spears and spear-throwers built using both ancient and modern materials. Quick Suggest: these are the best atlatls we could find on Amazon: "We can get a better resolution of when these technologies occurred, how they spread and why they spread," Hutchings said. The Kanakadea in particular features the Y rest throw the dart without any fancy fingerwork almost like training wheels for the new atlatlist. Specially designed for hunting and fishing. Highly flexible and finely-crafted wooden atlatl. The Atlatl Spear, or just the Atlatl, is the name of several pre-modern tools associated with spear throwing. We now have Hachi who still has a long way to go on his atlatl training. As Fish and Game commissions determine the effectiveness of this ancient weapon and the impact they have on wildlife, the rules and regulations are changing on how they will be included in current hunting seasons. Economical, because of its simple design, this atlatl nonetheless meets the standards of craftsmanship of our premium atlatl, making it a good value. The Wyalusing was designed by Bob Berg, inspired by Mayan paintings, and is notable for being the first known modern atlatl to feature a dart rest. 1-800-836-4520 In this video, Bob Berg gives an overview of all of our atlatls. It is usually about five to twenty-four inches long and about one to three inches wide. Be the first to know about sales, upcoming events, and happenings at 3Rivers Archery! Thanks22 Coupon! Here you will find a gathering of traditional archery stories, tips and techniques, trophy animals taken with traditional bows, and plenty more. Boxes go out every day during this busy season. It may be much older. A 19 in (50 cm) long atlatl, found in the La Madeleine site in the Dordogne valley of France, has a handle carved as a hyena effigy; it was made about 13,000 years ago. A spear-thrower, spear-throwing lever or atlatl (pronounced /tltl/[1] or /tltl/;[2] Nahuatl ahtlatl [atat]) 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. The Wyalusing has been refined through years of extensive experimentation, both on the target range and while hunting. It is also designed to hold darts at ready for lengths of time without hand strain, ideal for hunters. Atlatl - Spear Throwing 2:00p to 3:00p Sun, March 05, 2023 This is a single occurrence of a repeating event. Researchers have long thought that Paleo-Indians including the people of the Clovis culture, who lived around 13,000 years ago and are consideredone of thefirst Americanpeoples also hunted with spear-throwers. Atlatls are necessarily carved from organic material, wood or bone, and so the technology may be much older than 17,000 years ago. Balancing both behind her ear, she pauses, pointing with her opposite hand toward the target; and then, with a movement as if she were pitching a ball, she flings the shaft forward allowing it to slip out of her fingers as it flies towards the target. This is crucial. Arrow points commonly had the same appearance as these Andean tips[citation needed]. [citation needed], The Aztec atlatl was often decorated with snake designs and feathers,[10] potentially evocative of its association with Ehecatl, the Aztec wind deity.[11]. The World Atlatl Association has a wealth of information regarding sanctioned events with members throughout the world. This atlatl is also available as a kit that you can finish yourself. Youre going to learn how to make an atlatl spear. Archaeologists found decorated examples in the Moche culture burial of the Lady of Cao at El Brujo in the Chicama valley. [citation needed] Atlatls are represented in the art of multiple pre-Columbian cultures, including the Basketmaker culture in the American Southwest, Maya in the Yucatn Peninsula, and Moche in the Andes of South America. [32] Throws of almost 260m (850ft) have been recorded. Cut up a few feathers (meaning, cut off the quills) to put at the base of the spear. The atlatl or spearthrower is a hunting technology which was invented at least 17,000 years ago by Upper Paleolithic humans in Europe. Canandaigua NICEST DESIGN ("Wall Hangers") These atlatls are works of art that look great on display. Levers, Not Springs: How a Spearthrower Works and Why It Matters. The branches should be of sturdy wood, not too young or pliable, but also not too old or decayed. This weapon would make a good sidearm for those who need protection from aliens, dragons or home invaders. Many pieces of decorated bone may have belonged to Btons de commandement. Our into everything shop/family cat, Molly, says she will gladly help send out gift certificates! THE note in NATURE of November 19 (p. 66) recording the important discovery at Lake Patzcuaro, Mexico, of "a modern atlatl (not altatl, as misprinted) well worn and old-looking, accompanied with . Unfortunately, shipping has dramatically increased over the last year as shippers face increasing fuel costs and payroll costs. The Canecaude cave site deposits dated to about 14,200 years ago contained a small atlatl (8 cm, or 3 in) carved in the shape of a mammoth. By essentially lengthening the arm, it provides additional leverage to propel a dart much farther and faster than a one-handed throw. Thunderbird Atlatl. Estlica handles were commonly carved and modeled to represent real world accounts like animals and deities. Highly flexible yet very strong, this atlatl has an excellent feel. The Catatonk Hunter Atlatl is a beautiful and ergonomically engineered atlatl designed around the particular needs of the atlatl hunter or fisher. 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,020) $72.41 $ 72. Hold the Atlatl in your throwing hand with the notch turned upward at the other end. By the Iron Age, the amentum, a strap attached to the shaft, was the standard European mechanism for throwing lighter javelins. Get ready for the holidays! There are many benefits to building an atlatl from a kit: it is less expensive, you can customize the atlatl to your own liking, and youll feel the ownership of building the atlatl yourself. Holiday Shipping Schedule! Joseph Bennington-Castro is a Hawaii-based contributing writer for Live Science and Space.com. The spear, of course, should be straighter and narrower than the thrower. We will be working on continually updating the catalog over the weekend as we prepare for the holiday season. A lively discussion can be found in the archives of the journal American Antiquity about whether you can safely identify whether a particular point was used in bow and arrow versus atlatl: the results are inconclusive. Method 1 Using a Hook-Shaped Branch Download Article 1 Find a straight branch with a hook shape on the end of it. Any children using it should have adult supervision. Is there a Solutrean-Clovis Connection in the American Colonization? An atlatl (pronounced atul-atul or aht-LAH-tul) is the name used primarily by American scholars for a spear thrower, a hunting tool that was invented at least as long ago as the Upper Paleolithic period in Europe. In other words, if you hold up the branch lengthwise and it looks like a shallow hill, carve the notch at the base of the hill at the end of the stick. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/NatGeoSubscribe Watch all clips of Live Free or Die here: http://bit.ly/WatchLiveFreeorDieAbout Live Free or Die:Live Free or Die follows five members of a remote but growing American subculture of self-proclaimed Re-Wilders whove vowed to leave the modern world behind in order to survive in backwoods, deserts, mountains and swamps by hunting their own food, building their own shelters, and finding their own water - using only their own two hands, sharp intuition and time tested methods.Get More Live Free or Die:Official Site: http://bit.ly/NGLiveFreeorDieFacebook: http://bit.ly/NGLiveFreeorDieFacebookTwitter: http://bit.ly/NGLiveFreeorDieTwitterAbout National Geographic:National Geographic is the world's premium destination for science, exploration, and adventure. In this post, we explore all the details about this great ancient weapon revealing all the forgotten facts that are worth knowing. Raise your throwing arm so the dart is close to eye level and in-line with the target. It may consist of a shaft with a cup or a spur at the end that supports and propels the butt of the spear. Essentially, it's a throwing device using a spear (known as a dart) that uses leverage to give more velocity. I'm a tactical guy that's a concealed carrier and been obsessed with firearms, gadgets, and self-defense since my teenage years. Bowhunters Supply Store - Atlatl Thrower Carbon Fiber Composite Handle - Compatible with Carbon Express Atlatl Darts. [3][4], The dart is thrown by the action of the upper arm and wrist. We have paid close attention to dart placement relative to the handgrip so that the atlatlist will have maximum power. The length of a common estlica was about 50 cm. If you missed the shipping deadlines but still want to get an atlatl set for someone, Thunderbird Atlatl has gift certificates available. 41 $79.99 $79.99. [citation needed], In September 1997, an atlatl dart fragment, carbon dated to 4360 50 14C yr BP (TO 6870), was found in an ice patch on mountain Thandlt, the first of the southern Yukon Ice Patches to be studied. It is well made and very durable. Several Amazonian tribes also used the atlatl for fishing and hunting. Hirst, K. Kris. Download to Your Calendar. The spearthrower is believed to have been in use by Homo sapiens since the Upper Paleolithic (around 30,000 years ago). It's usually about as long as the user's arm or forearm. Through their world-class scientists, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers, Nat Geo gets you closer to the stories that matter and past the edge of what's possible.Get More National Geographic:Official Site: http://bit.ly/NatGeoOfficialSiteFacebook: http://bit.ly/FBNatGeoTwitter: http://bit.ly/NatGeoTwitterInstagram: http://bit.ly/NatGeoInstaHow to Throw an Atlatl | Live Free or Die: DIYhttps://youtu.be/NHgUMUk3YwYNational Geographichttps://www.youtube.com/natgeo The Atlatl greatly improved spear-throwing speeds and distances. This extra length allows the thrower to impart force to the dart over a longer distance, thus imparting more energy and higher speeds. In 2009, the Fourteenth Annual Open Atlatl Championship was held on Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20. The notch should have a solid L back with a slight U-shaped indentation for the spear. Some atlatlists maintain that stone weights add mass to the shaft of the device, causing resistance to acceleration when swung and resulting in a more forceful and accurate launch of the dart. Then let your other hand go, and launch the spear using the Atlatl from your throwing hand. Inexpensive.Great for beginners. Atlatl Dart Velocity: Accurate Measurements and Implications for Paleoindian and Archaic Archaeology. [28][29], As well as its practical use as a hunting weapon, it may also have had social effects. Its an ancient weapon that goes back thousands of years. Wooden darts were known at least since the Middle Paleolithic (Schningen, Torralba, Clacton-on-Sea and Kalambo Falls). The discount only applies to items purchased and does not include shipping. Best atlatl for beginners and kids. She routinely is in the shop; making sure we are getting our jobs done. If you prefer a more traditional design or wanting a little more hands-on approach, you may want to look at a wood atlatl kit and darts. The Atlatl is used for spear-throwing, usually three to eight feet in length. Happy Thanksgiving! (2020, August 28). Essentially, they were sticklike tools that contained a hook or spur at one end to hold a dart. The other end of the spear should be slightly tapered to allow it to be placed in the thrower. Equipped with their uniquely grooved atlatl, they could hurl their long darts from a great distance with accuracy, speed, and such deadly force that these easily pierced through the protective armor of the Portuguese or any other enemy. About 88cm (35in) long and .mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}3 to 4.5cm (1+14 to 1+34in) wide, this spear thrower was a tapering piece of wood carved of brown hard-wood. The leverage it gives you for throwing is unparalleled. Scholars have been unable to find that adding the weight of a banner stone does anything to the velocity or thrust of the operation. The throwing arm together with the atlatl acts as a lever. The flipping motion of the thrower's elbow and shoulder in effect adds a joint to the throwers arm. Using a flipping motion can propel darts to speeds close to 80 mph. The spear-thrower is an ancient weapon taught at Imperial Combat Arts as a short sub-style of Spear Training, Traditional Archery, and of Wilderness Skills. The atlatl weight is made from colorful stone, polished using the same methods jewelers use to polish precious and semi-precious stones. Check Out Our Free Shipping Coupon! One end is hooked, and the hook fits into the nock end of a separate spear shaft, itself between 3 to 8 feet (12.5 meters) in length. An atlatl is a spear throwing device/lever. Today, a handful of states allow the use of atlatls during hunting seasons. The Wappasening is a hybrid, combining elements of design from both the Wyalusing and the Nanticoke. from espn.com", "2013 Firearms Deer Hunting | Missouri Department of Conservation", "Atlatl makes debut for Missouri deer season", "Conservation Action: Meeting of the May 2011 Conservation Commission | Missouri Department of Conservation", "Missouri Department of Conservation, Wildlife Code: Sport Fishing: Seasons, Methods, Limits", "Bois D' Arc Primitive Skills Gathering and Knap-in", "Atlatl Madness's Atlatl Darts in a Movie!!! Flexible bamboo composite atlatl, which provides a spring release system. The Wyalusing is the signature Thunderbird Atlatl, known for its beautiful sculpted design and clean lines. Link to no voiceover: https://youtu.be/iWruBSTBtKsAndy Rawls - In this video I'm attempting to build a spear thrower or otherwise known as an atlalt. Highly polished antler, wood and bamboo are a visual treat. Thunderbird Atlatl is the world's largest atlatl manufacturer. He looked for clues that the weapon tips experienced high-velocity, mechanically propelled impacts. Ever wanted to learn the basics of Atlatl spear throwing? Follow through is vital to gain consistency. Because of this, you will want to find an empty field or otherwise empty area to use it. [41], The woomera is still used today by some Aboriginal people for hunting in Australia[citation needed]. As always, use common sense, exercise caution, and look before you throw. In this period, elaborate pieces, often in the form of animals, are common. Walnut Atlatl Thrower Starter Spears Walnut Atlatl Thrower Atlatl Banner Stones Dalton Atlatl Points Large Atlatl Stone Points Pedernales Atlatl Points & Blades Fish Spears Tabs, Arm Guards, Strings, etc. "The Silencing", http://waa.basketmakeratlatl.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Tapuya-Atlatl-Article-by-Harald-Prins-25, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Spear-thrower&oldid=1133764008. Robert Berg's theory is that the bannerstone was carried by hunters as a spindle weight to produce string from natural fibers gathered while hunting, for the purpose of tying on fletching and hafting stone or bone points.[9]. Throwers using modern materials as well as authentic reproductions compete for accuracy in Primitive and Open classes. Our shop is ready to handle this last busy week as we head to the end or the year. If you were an Aboriginal Australian, you would call it a woomera, and Yupik Eskimos called them nuqaq (nook-ack). 'Whip arrow') is a unique spear-thrower that was used during Song period. Welcome to the Archer's Den. Hiawathas vary in shape but they all reflect Thunderbird Atlatls high standards of quality. He holds a master's degree in science journalism from New York University, and a bachelor's degree in physics from the University of Hawaii. I feel the pre-loaded stance is the best technique for accuracy and hunting. As with baseball, the snap of the wrist at the end imparts much of the velocity, and the longer the atlatl, the longer the distance (although there is an upper limit). Throwing with an atlatl is similar to throwing a baseball. The user holds the spear-thrower in one hand, gripping near the end farthest from the cup. At the end of the throw, quickly flick your wrist forward adding the momentum and leverage to the dart. The atlatl increases the throwing lever of the arm, and this extra length increases the . Speed & Penetration: Atlatl vs. Hand Thrown Dart, Throwing a flaming atlatl dart for Winter Solstice. The earliest known evidence of Paleo-Indian spear-throwers comes from 11,000-year-old "bannerstones," which are stone objects that may have functioned as atlatl weights, though the true function of bannerstones is debated, Hutchings said. At her feet was a group of twenty-three atlatls with handle pieces that depicted birds. Now is the time to purchase atlatl gifts while our inventory is good. Similar to bows, atlatls can propel flexible, pointed shafts called darts, rather than arrows at high speeds across long distances. The Nanticoke Atlatl was inspired by the classic Southwestern atlatl with a double leather looped keeper strap. By resting the spear in the Atlatl, pulling the throwing arm back, and then releasing the spear, the Atlatl acts as a lever and an extension of the throwing arm. By swinging the spear-thrower overhead and forward, hunters could launch their darts with greater force than if they were to throw them like javelins. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. JJs skill at crafting this fine piece is unmatched, with superior attention to detail and form. It may have been introduced to America during the immigration across the Bering Land Bridge,[citation needed] and despite the later introduction of the bow and arrow,[citation needed] atlatl use was widespread at the time of first European contact. In comparison, ancient spear-throwers from Europe were often made of ivory or bone. Arrowheads and Other Points: Myths and Little Known Facts, Ancient Hunting: Subsistence Strategies Before Agriculture, Prehistoric Stone Tools Categories and Terms, Macuahuitl: The Wooden Sword of Aztec Warriors, Folsom Culture and Their Projectile Points. Heres how it works. The spear-thrower was used by early Americans as well. Free shipping for many products! There are many questions about the Atlatl with it being an ancient weapon, lets start with the history of it. The anthropologist and adventurer Frank Cushing [18571900] made replicas and may have experimented with the technology; Zelia Nuttall wrote about Mesoamerican atlatls in 1891, and anthropologist Otis T. Mason [18381908] looked at Arctic spear throwers and noticed that they were similar to those described by Nuttall. Premium design suited for hunting and target shooting. [10], Another type of Stone Age artefact that is sometimes excavated is the bton de commandement. To order your 3Rivers Archery catalog, please fill out the catalog order form here and we'll send you our latest catalog FREE. Gift Certificates Available for last minute Atlatl Shopping! Also known as an Atlatl, these spear throwing levers greatly increase the power and distance of a spear in flight. Thunderbird Atlatl Updating Shop; Order Early for Holidays! Researchers reasoned that "if the spear-thrower originated in the Old World, then it only made sense that it must have shown up with early [North American] colonists," Hutchings said. The Faustian Bargain of Technological Change: Evaluating the Socioeconomic Effects of the Bow and Arrow Transition in the Coast Salish Past. Atlatls are often decorated or paintedthe oldest ones we have are elaborately carved. The Atlatl had a range up to 500 feet and the power to inflict serious injuries with more speed, force, and accuracy than spears that were thrown by hand alone. While the atlatl is not the same as a bow and arrow, similarities do exist. The spear thrower or atlatl is perhaps one of the most underestimated hunting weapons. Current models of Paleo-Indian society are based on the assumption that hunters sometimes used spear-throwers, or atlatls, said study author Karl Hutchings, an archaeologist at Thompson Rivers University in Canada. Its basically a piece of bone, ivory, or wood that is slightly curved.