Atlatl
Nov 17, 2012 18:45:35 GMT
Post by nirathakthedestroyer on Nov 17, 2012 18:45:35 GMT
I was first introduced to the atlatl when I watched a video on Native Americans in fourth grade. I immediately went home and tried to reproduce the peculiar weapon. Unfortunately, I hand no idea what I was doing, so it failed miserably. Several years later, I went to a museum and I saw it again. I did a little more research, and after two weeks and a badly blistered thumb, I managed to produce my first real atlatl.
To begin with, the atlatl was a weapon used during the ice age times in North America and Australia. It can be described as the predecessor to the bow and arrow, or in other words, a dart thrower. It was a necessity to the ancients who used it for two reasons: firstly, the bow and arrow had not been invented, and naturally it would be impossible to fight big game such as a woolly mammoth from close quarters, so fire arms were essential. Secondly, even if the bow had been invented, it is very likely that it would not be powerful enough to have any effect on the tough skin of the mammoth; the atlatl was the only thing that could pierce a mammoth’s flesh.
The atlatl functions using spiral motion. The dart needs to be light, strong, but most of all flexible. The knock end of the dart has a small hole in it which is placed on the pointed end of the atlatl. The user then raised his/her arm back and thrusts it forward, releasing the dart, but not the atlatl. The end of the shaft meets resistance from atlatl, which causes it to bend. It then spirals, which gives it its power.
You will notice that my atlatl has duct tape fletchlings and tip (mainly so I can launch it at the park near my house without the risk of hurting anyone). Traditionally, they would use obsidian and bird feathers. The most curious part, however, is the stone tied to the middle with string. This gives the atlatl extra weight, causing the dart to bend even more.
I hope this proves useful; perhaps some of you might even consider adding this awesome weapon to your arsenal. It is quite different, but not unheard of. Enjoy!
To begin with, the atlatl was a weapon used during the ice age times in North America and Australia. It can be described as the predecessor to the bow and arrow, or in other words, a dart thrower. It was a necessity to the ancients who used it for two reasons: firstly, the bow and arrow had not been invented, and naturally it would be impossible to fight big game such as a woolly mammoth from close quarters, so fire arms were essential. Secondly, even if the bow had been invented, it is very likely that it would not be powerful enough to have any effect on the tough skin of the mammoth; the atlatl was the only thing that could pierce a mammoth’s flesh.
The atlatl functions using spiral motion. The dart needs to be light, strong, but most of all flexible. The knock end of the dart has a small hole in it which is placed on the pointed end of the atlatl. The user then raised his/her arm back and thrusts it forward, releasing the dart, but not the atlatl. The end of the shaft meets resistance from atlatl, which causes it to bend. It then spirals, which gives it its power.
You will notice that my atlatl has duct tape fletchlings and tip (mainly so I can launch it at the park near my house without the risk of hurting anyone). Traditionally, they would use obsidian and bird feathers. The most curious part, however, is the stone tied to the middle with string. This gives the atlatl extra weight, causing the dart to bend even more.
I hope this proves useful; perhaps some of you might even consider adding this awesome weapon to your arsenal. It is quite different, but not unheard of. Enjoy!