What Channel Is Comedy Central On Xfinity, Cal Ripken State Tournament 2021 Massachusetts, Articles T

K. Kris Hirst is an archaeologist with 30 years of field experience. Essentially, they were sticklike tools that contained a hook or spur at one end to hold a dart. We are looking forward to the new year at the Thunderbird shop and wish all of our customers a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year. I hope what I share with you helps. New York, Wooden darts were known at least since the Middle Paleolithic (Schningen, Torralba, Clacton-on-Sea and Kalambo Falls). This is a good atlatl for hunting as well as target shooting, not to mention warfare. The end with the small hook will be where the spear attaches to. The Otsiningo is an atlatl designed for big game hunting where seven-foot long darts are used. The Catatonk Hunter Atlatl is a beautiful and ergonomically engineered atlatl designed around the particular needs of the atlatl hunter or fisher. Highly flexible yet very strong, this atlatl has an excellent feel. You will need a carving tool to do so. 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. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, This allowed for more forgiving flint knapping: dart heads designed for a particular spear thrower tend to differ in mass by only a few percent. In a paddle grip, the wrist is rotated so the palm or the hand faces up in the launching position and faces down to the ground after follow through. Her work has appeared in scholarly publications such as Archaeology Online and Science. Thanks22 Coupon! New records for speed and distance are being made and broken. When first found in the nineteenth century, they were interpreted by French archaeologists to be symbols of authority, like a modern Field Marshal's baton, and so named btons de commandement ("batons of command"). The shaft, with a notch for the spear to rest on before the throw, functionally extends the forearm and creates more leverage for the thrower. [Top 10 Mysteries of the 1st Humans]. This extra length allows the thrower to impart force to the dart over a longer distance, thus imparting more energy and higher speeds.[5]. In this video, Bob Berg talks about the different kits available from Thunderbird Atlatl. This sleek, ergonomicaly designed atlatl features a knuckled grip that hides speed and smoothness in its unique, beautiful design. 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 "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. The World Atlatl Association was formed in 1987[31] to promote the atlatl. Live Science is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. 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. 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. We have paid close attention to dart placement relative to the handgrip so that the atlatlist will have maximum power. The atlatl is held in one hand, gripped near the end farthest from the cup. The Aztec atlatl spear throwing device was a ranged weapon commonly used by Aztec elite warriors. Two or three feathers on the spear will do. 2023 Three Rivers Archery Supply, Inc. Three Rivers Archery Supply, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The WAA keeps a list of world champions and ranking master atlatl throwers. Several Amazonian tribes also used the atlatl for fishing and hunting. Features Paddle Grip provides more leverage and allows for lower impact throwing. No rest cradle the dart between your fingers. These atlatls are specially designed for the needs of the hunter or spear fisherman. The atlatl weight is made from colorful stone, polished using the same methods jewelers use to polish precious and semi-precious stones. 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. Introduction: An atlatl is a dart (or small spear)-throwing tool designed to increase distance and accuracy for hunting or warfare. An atlatl was the weapon of choice of a serial killer in the 2020 action-thriller The Silencing, where it is erroneously described as an illegal weapon.[47]. Unfortunately, shipping has dramatically increased over the last year as shippers face increasing fuel costs and payroll costs. [12] Most stratified European finds come from the Magdalenian (late upper Palaeolithic). Osceola. Traditional, barebones atlatl similar to those found in antiquity. To see if the earliest North Americans including people from the Clovis culture, Folsom culture (10,000 to 11,000 years ago) and other Paleo-Indians used atlatls, Hutchings analyzed the fractures present in hundreds of spear points. The atlatl has lots of fans today. This video breaks down his technique for accurately throwing the darts. On one end, there's a handle, and on the other, there's a hook. His work covers all areas of science, from the quirky mating behaviors of different animals, to the drug and alcohol habits of ancient cultures, to new advances in solar cell technology. We have chosen the hammer grip design over the paddle grip because the human hand transfers power more effectively with the hammer grip. Other examples of the Atlatl have been found in Australia, Asia, and North and South America. Boxes go out every day during this busy season. In Nahuatl, Atlatl means spear thrower. We will be working on continually updating the catalog over the weekend as we prepare for the holiday season. Archaeologists began to recognize atlatls in the late 19th century. 'Whip arrow') is a unique spear-thrower that was used during Song period. Get ready for the holidays! The Paddle Grip allows the atlatlist throw with the wrist facing the target, gaining more leverage. ", "Bannerstones And How They Relate To The Atlatl", Mexicolore's page on the atlatl, and its connection with Ehecatl, "The Art of the Spearthrower: Understanding the Andean Estlica through Iconography", "Power Materialized: The Dart-Thrower as a Pan-Mesoamerican Status Marker", "Atlatl Use on Moche Pottery of Ancient Peru", "The Atlatl as Combat Weapon in 17th-Century Amazonia: Tapuya Indian Warriors in Dutch Colonial Brazil", "In pursuit of prehistoric c caribou on Thandlt, southern Yukon", "The World Atlatl Association: Modern sport", "Pennsylvania May Let Hunters Use Prehistoric Weapon", "Spear near in Pennsylvania? Related Posts Quick Answer: Are Bicycles Allowed On Dart How To Use A Dart Tool The Catatonk was designed in response to the demand for a quality atlatl at a reasonable price. Our mission is to bring survival skills and self-reliance back to the modern man as they seem like they were lost decades ago. 41 $79.99 $79.99. [40] The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission allows the use of atlatls for the taking of deer as of 2013[update]. The World Atlatl Association has a wealth of information regarding sanctioned events with members throughout the world. Check out the Which Atlatl should I choose? video. Canandaigua, NICEST DESIGN (Wall Hangers) Hunter, W. (1992) "Reconstructing a Generic Basket Maker Atlatl". Another important improvement to the spear-thrower's design was the introduction of a small weight (between 60 and 80grams) strapped to its midsection. Additionally, Paleo-Indians were thought to have hunted big animals, such as mammoths and ground sloths, which would have required powerful, long-distance weapons to take the animals down safely. It has a knuckled handgrip for better control and a tropical hardwood button tine inserted and cemented into the head of the atlatl. If you were an Aboriginal Australian, you would call it a woomera, and Yupik Eskimos called them nuqaq (nook-ack). 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,020) $72.41 $ 72. So, if youve ever wondered how your ancestors made the most out of using the least, try making an Atlatl. . This is an excellent atlatl for the small handed individual. According to the Minnesota State University EMuseum, "It is estimated that the atlatl was in use from 14,000 years ago to over 40,000 years ago.". Such was the case with the Tarairiu, a Tapuya tribe of migratory foragers and raiders inhabiting the forested mountains and highland savannahs of Rio Grande do Norte in mid-17th-century Brazil. Using a flipping motion can propel darts to speeds close to 80 mph. The atlatl is an ancient weapon predating the bow and arrow. The leverage it gives you for throwing is unparalleled. The atlatl stays level and the dart on target throughout the motion. [3][4], The dart is thrown by the action of the upper arm and wrist. (Try to pound a nail with a paddle grip hammer!). 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. Our shop is ready to handle this last busy week as we head to the end or the year. 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. 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. Zachary Riggs (817) 776-3924. zachary.riggs@tpwd.texas.gov. 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. Hirst, K. Kris. As always, use common sense, exercise caution, and look before you throw. The spear-thrower is a low-mass, fast-moving extension of the throwing arm, increasing the length of the lever. Wyalusing, Wappasening, Tioga, Osceola, MOST FLEXIBLE ATLATL The notch should have a solid L back with a slight U-shaped indentation for the spear. In this video, Bob Berg gives an overview of all of our atlatls. These hooks have been found at multiple highland sites including Cerro Bal, a site of the Wari culture. The Cayuta is made from a single well-chosen piece of high quality wood by master sculptor/craftsman John Jefferson. 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 Paddle Grip allows the atlatlist throw with the wrist facing the target, gaining more leverage. Yup'ik Eskimo hunters still use the atlatl, known locally as "nuqaq" (nook-ak), in villages near the mouth of the Yukon River for seal hunting. 3 If you are ready to order before the holiday rush, we are offering a 10 percent coupon discount for orders of $100 or more through midnight Monday, Nov. 28. The user puts the butt end of the spear, or dart, in the cup, or grabs the spur with the end of the spear. To order your 3Rivers Archery catalog, please fill out the catalog order form here and we'll send you our latest catalog FREE. The speed of a properly flung 5 ft (1.5 m) spear equipped with a 1 ft (30 cm) atlatl is about 60 miles (80 kilometers) per hour; one researcher reported that he put an atlatl dart through his garage door on his first attempt. 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. The World Atlatl Association sponsors the International Standard Accuracy Contest (ISAC), a competition of atlatl skill held in small venues all over the world; they hold workshops so if you'd like to learn how to throw with an atlatl, that's where to start. 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]. (2020, August 28). Off to a busy start for the new year! Knecht, H. (1997) Projectile technology, New York, Plenum Press, 408 p. Perkins, W. (1993) "Atlatl Weights, Function and Classification". Make your own atlatl from a kit Thunderbird Atlatl Kits. If you missed the shipping deadlines but still want to get an atlatl set for someone, Thunderbird Atlatl has gift certificates available. The Catatonk features a rest for darts and an attractive yet simple sculpted design, made from a single piece of hard wood (Ash, Cherry, Walnut, Maple, Jatoba and Purpleheart). 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. Simple, functional, durable atlatl featuring a rest. Cut up a few feathers (meaning, cut off the quills) to put at the base of the spear. Introduction: Social Complexity and the Bow in the Prehistoric North American Record, Sticks with Stones: An Experimental Test of the Effects of the Atlatl Weight on Atlatl Mechanics, Darts, Arrows, and Archaeologists: Distinguishing Dart and Arrow Points in the Archaeological Record, Behavioral Ecology, Technology, and the Organization of Labor: How a Shift from Spear Thrower to Self Bow Exacerbates Social Disparities, How Atlatl Darts Behave: Beveled Points and the Relevance of Controlled Experiments. There are many techniques on how to throw an atlatl. The Atlatl as Combat Weapon in 17th-Century Amazonia: Tapuya Indian Warriors in Dutch Colonial Brazil. See the difference in speed and penetration! Ryan has been primitive hunting with an atlatl for a while and has taken a number of big game animals with spears. It not only supports but also propels the ending tip of the . The Faustian Bargain of Technological Change: Evaluating the Socioeconomic Effects of the Bow and Arrow Transition in the Coast Salish Past. The working end of the shaft may simply be sharpenedor be modified to include a pointed projectile point. [33] Colleges reported to field teams in this event include Grinnell College in Iowa, Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire, Alfred University in New York, and the University of Vermont. 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. The motion used by the thrower is similar to that of an overhand baseball pitcher. 2023 Three Rivers Archery Supply, Inc. Three Rivers Archery Supply, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Youre also going to learn about Atlatls design and how to throw one as well. In this period, elaborate pieces, often in the form of animals, are common. Atlatl events commonly include the International Standard Accuracy Competition (ISAC), in which contestants throw ten times at a bull's-eye target. Bannerstones And How They Relate To The Atlatl. [citation needed], Based on previous work done by William S. Webb, William R. Perkins[8] claims that spear-thrower weights, commonly called "bannerstones", and characterized by a centered hole in a symmetrically shaped carved or ground stone, shaped wide and flat with a drilled hole and thus a little like a large wingnut, are an improvement to the design that created a silencing effect when swung. The amentum gives not only range, but also spin to the projectile.[16]. They are called atlatls, because that's what the Aztecs were calling them when the Spanish arrived. Timing, balance, consistency, and follow through will eventually lead to accuracy. Then let your other hand go, and launch the spear using the Atlatl from your throwing hand. [19], Examples of estlicas with no handle pieces have been interpreted as children's toys[citation needed]. Every box we ship over three feet long gets an oversize fee of a minimum of $15 before shipping costs are added. In modern times, the Atlatl has regained popularity. 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. Thanks to Skillshare for sponsoring this video. Keeping your knees bent with feet spread shoulder-width apart, turn thefront foot approximately 45 towards the target. ThoughtCo, Aug. 28, 2020, thoughtco.com/what-is-an-atlatl-169989. Available in Hickory, Walnut, Osage Orange. Today, the atlatl is used for sports ranging from target shooting, to hunting and fishing. Matt shows us how to use one of the most primitive yet highly efficient hunting tools. Hutchings detailed his findings in the March issue of the Journal of Archaeological Science. Spear throwers are a significant technological improvement on simply throwing or thrusting a spear, in terms of safety, speed, distance, and accuracy. At her feet was a group of twenty-three atlatls with handle pieces that depicted birds. More natural in shape than the Nanticoke, the split shafts are hand scraped and well sanded following the natural flow of the grain. It should not be confused with another Bian Jian (). Throwers using modern materials as well as authentic reproductions compete for accuracy in Primitive and Open classes. Our into everything shop/family cat, Molly, says she will gladly help send out gift certificates! 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]. Others claim that spear-thrower weights add only stability to a cast, resulting in greater accuracy. However, these tools date back to the Early Archaic subperiod, which came after the Paleo-Indian period. The spear-thrower is a low-mass, fast-moving extension of the throwing arm, increasing the length of the lever. Now is the time to purchase atlatl gifts while our inventory is good. Increase the speed during the throw, but try to keep the point straight. The earliest reliable data concerning atlatls have come from several caves in France dating to the Upper Paleolithic, about 21,000 to 17,000 years ago. Arrowhead Earrings, sinew, adhesives, large packs of hafting resin and, of course, our wide, variety of quality atlatls and darts! The Wyalusing has been refined through years of extensive experimentation, both on the target range and while hunting. This atlatl is similar to the Wyalusing, but it is designed to carry the weight of long hunting darts with a heavy point, which would normally be flexed by its own weight. Buying an atlatl and or darts for a gift? The Osceola comes with an atlatl weight attached. We are happy to mail out your gift certificate if you prefer that type of delivery. The spears thrown from the Atlatl ranged between 4 - 5ft in length. 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. Available with or without leather loops. We proudly offer JJs atlatls and recommend them to anyone who has an appreciation for fine craftsmanship and sculpture. Get ready for the holidays! Adjust your carving as necessary. 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. Thunderbird Atlatl. Throwing with an atlatl is similar to throwing a baseball. The paddle grip atlatl is less traumatic for people with tendonitis and problems in the elbow. Using this method, which he developed in the late 1990s, Hutchings determined the fracture velocities for 55 out of 668 Paleo-Indian artifacts that he examined. Recent Posts. In this video, Bob Berg talks about how to choose the atlatl that best fits your needs. 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. "When it breaks, it sends a shock wave through the stone that produces fractures, which are related to the amount and kind of force involved," Hutchings said. The length of a common estlica was about 50 cm. John Whittaker and Kathryn Kamp believe that they might have been part of a ceremony before the burial or symbolic references to indicate that the royal woman in the burial had been a warrior. Thunderbird Atlatl Updating Shop; Order Early for Holidays! 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!!! JJs skill at crafting this fine piece is unmatched, with superior attention to detail and form. A spear launched with an Atlatl can reach speeds in excess of 60 miles per hour and distances of 20 to 300 yards. It is easier to aim the dart because it remains straighter. On the Friday before the Championship, a workshop was held to teach modern and traditional techniques of atlatl and dart construction, flint knapping, hafting stone points, and cordage making. January 25, 2023; Gift Certificates Available for last minute Atlatl Shopping! One only has to cast a dart to appreciate its true power and stability. We will post links to the research results as papers and results are published. Below youll find all of our spear-throwers and darts, and an explanation of their unique characteristics. Several Stone Age spear-throwers (usually now incomplete) are decorated with carvings of animals: the British Museum has a mammoth, and there is a hyena in France. Simplicity works. Using a flipping motion can propel darts to speeds close to 80 mph. Follow these steps to make a wooden Atlatl Spear. You will have to experiment and find what works best for you. Kanakadea, Catatonk, HUNTING OR FISHING Also, trim the branches off what is to become the actual spear. Well I can say that Ryan is a lot better than I am but he can maintain a 6\" group at 8 yards no problem. 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. If you are a dog owner, you may have even used a modern spearthrower known as the Chuckit.". Routledge; Paris: Unesco, London; New York, p.1064, National Museum of Anthropology and History, "The Atlatl: Most Underrated Stone Age Tool? It has a hooked or indented end. Check out our Free22Shipping coupon! The competitions have also been used along with controlled experiments to gather field data concerning the effect of the different elements of the atlatl process, such as the weight and shape of the projectile point used, the length of the shaft and the atlatl. Before the bow and arrow, there was the atlatl! The atlatl was recorded by Spanish conquistadors when they arrived in Mexico and discovered that the Aztec people had a stone weapon that could pierce metal armor. Currently, Alabama allows the atlatl for deer hunting, while a handful of other states list the device as legal for rough fish (those not sought for sport or food), some game birds and non-game mammals. The spearthrower is believed to have been in use by Homo sapiens since the Upper Paleolithic (around 30,000 years ago). We hope you enjoy and even submit a trophy of your own, or leave a comment on a post. Then they make an overhand throwing motion with the thrower while letting go of the spear with the fingers. Where do Thunderbird Atlatls get their names from? Atlatls give additional velocity and thrust compared to spear-throwing, and they allow the hunter to stand farther away from the prey. The other end of the spear should be slightly tapered to allow it to be placed in the thrower. While the atlatl is not the same as a bow and arrow, similarities do exist. Made and distributed since 1993, this has been a best seller among premium atlatls. contact@thunderbirdatlatl.com. History of mankind (1994). While the spear-thrower is capable of casting a dart well over one hundred meters, it is most accurately used at distances of twenty meters or less. Simple, traditional design inspired by the Basketmaker atlatls of the American Southwest. [Their] darts or javelins were probably made of a two-meter long wooden cane with a stone or long and serrated hard-wood point, sometimes tipped with poison. In 2009, the Fourteenth Annual Open Atlatl Championship was held on Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20. Matt shows us how to use one of the most primitive yet highly efficient hunting tools. Estlica handles were commonly carved and modeled to represent real world accounts like animals and deities. For hunters, you can hold your darts at the ready for greater lengths of time without hand strain. There are many instructional forms of help available such as the Atlatl Fever DVD. Over the busy holiday weekend through Monday, November 28, take some time and check out some of new items in our online catalog. This will stabilize the spear in flight. An atlatl is a stick with a handle on one end and a hook or socket on the . NY 10036. Atlatls were especially prominent in the iconography of the warriors of the Teotihuacan culture of Central Mexico. It is built for maximum speed, without giving up any shooting stability. The maximum speed achieved by an experienced atlatlist is 35 meters per second or 78 mph. Ask the experts: 260.587.9501 | Customer Service, Call Us: 260.587.9501 | Customer Service. 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. 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. Regardless of the use, whether learning about a primitive skill or wanting to hunt, the atlatl can be a fun sport for people of all ages. The proper use of the atlatl makes spear-assisted hunting an efficiently targeted and deadly experience. This atlatl was recovered from the cave site of La Mas dAzil, and was made between 15,300 and 13,300 years ago. Ideal for people with tendonitis or elbow problems. [6] Atlatl associations around the world[42] host a number of local atlatl competitions. [citation needed]. The formed grip and integrated index finger dart rest work well together to achieve accuracy and consistency. An atlatl is a slightly curved piece of wood, ivory, or bone, measuring between 5 and 24 inches (1361 centimeters) long and between 13 in (27 cm) wide. But learning is part of the fun. A spear launched with an Atlatl can reach speeds in excess of 60 miles per hour and distances of 20 to 300 yards. In history, they were developed as hunting tools after the good old-fashioned spear, and before the bow. By carving correctly, you can make the spear have a sharper or duller tip. 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. These atlatls are works of art that look great on display. Canandaigua NICEST DESIGN ("Wall Hangers") These atlatls are works of art that look great on display. These are available in Hickory, Ash or Osage Orange with an antler tine, bone or wood spur, natural fiber or leather finger loops, rubbed oil finish and natural fiber lacing which holds the spur or tine in place and provides added grip at the handle. They are much longer (80-100 cm) than the regular examples (50-60 cm). The thrower holds the atlatl handle in the palm of her hand and pinches the dart shaft with her fingers. 1-800-836-4520 [46] Other contests involving different distances or terrain may also be included, usually testing the atlatlist's accuracy rather than distance throwing. 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. 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!