DIY

OUTDOORS

THE ATLATL

Make the ancient tool that hurls 6-foot spears at up to 100mph. By Daryl Hrdlicka

Photography by Daryl Hrdlicka

Before the bow and arrow there was the atlatl*, or Atlatl Basics spear-thrower, an ancient weapon that could throw Atlatls range in form from the simple to the very a spear or dart with enough force to penetrate a ornate, but they all have the same 3 components: mammoth’s hide. It was used in North America for the hook, the grip, and the shaft. The grip is where about 10,000 years, and used by native Australians you hold the atlatl, the hook engages the back and Aleuts as recently as 50 years ago. of your projectile and propels it, and the shaft

It’s easy to make your own atlatl, and throwing connects the two and acts as a lever to multiply with it is fun and very satisfying. Here’s how to make the speed of your arm. one in the style of the Kuikuru (kwee-KOO-roo) of A typical length for an atlatl is 18"– 24", although the Amazon Basin, who still use the spear-thrower some have been found as short as 6" (in California) today. I’ll also explain how to make darts for it, and and as long as 48" (in Australia). Length is mostly a how to throw. But never forget that the atlatl is a matter of personal preference, but it needs to fit the weapon. It is dangerous. A dart will go through a side length of your arm and of the dart you’re throwing. of beef. So I’ll go through some precautions as well. The simplest atlatl is the first kind ever used — the *Most people say “at-LAT-l,” or “AH T-laht-l” but pronuncia- ^{basic branch atlatl. To make one of these, just find} tions vary. Find one you like, get your friends to pronounce ^{a tree branch that measures about ¾}" ^{in diameter} it the same way, and you’ll be right. and has a smaller branch angling out of it. Cut it

Make: 117