DIY
OUTDOORS
THE ATLATL
Make the ancient tool that hurls 6-foot
spears at up to 100mph. By Daryl Hrdlicka
Before the bow and arrow there was the atlatl*, or
spear-thrower, an ancient weapon that could throw
a spear or dart with enough force to penetrate a
mammoth’s hide. It was used in North America for
about 10,000 years, and used by native Australians
and Aleuts as recently as 50 years ago.
117 Make: