In modern times, the Atlatl has regained popularity. 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,020) $72.41 $ 72. We are working up some other special offers as the season continues. Box 764, 90 Main St. These hooks have been found at multiple highland sites including Cerro Bal, a site of the Wari culture. Stodiek, U. The spear thrower or atlatl is perhaps one of the most underestimated hunting weapons. Hold the dart in place using your thumb and index finger. From its long sleek riser to the graceful tip, the Wappasening is an absolute top performer. Wyalusing, Wappasening, Tioga, Osceola, MOST FLEXIBLE ATLATL 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. It has a hooked or indented end. The maximum speed achieved by an experienced atlatlist is 35 meters per second or 78 mph. Just like archery, there is no one specific technique to throw an atlatl. Atlatl Carried by Aztec God Xiuhtecuhtli. Throwing with an atlatl is similar to throwing a baseball. The new study has implications for scientists' understanding of the way Paleo-Indians lived, researchers say. [43] Competitions may be held in conjunction with other events, such as the Ohio Pawpaw Festival,[44] or at the Bois D'Arc Primitive Skills Gathering and Knap-in, held every September in southern Missouri.[45]. 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"). I'm a tactical guy that's a concealed carrier and been obsessed with firearms, gadgets, and self-defense since my teenage years. Her work has appeared in scholarly publications such as Archaeology Online and Science. Made and distributed since 1993, this has been a best seller among premium atlatls. Atlatl - Spear Throwing - March 11th Canceled - Texas The Technology and History of the Atlatl Spear Thrower - ThoughtCo Levers, Not Springs: How a Spearthrower Works and Why It Matters. Then they make an overhand throwing motion with the thrower while letting go of the spear with the fingers. Though debate over their function continues, tests with replicas have found them, when used with a cord, very effective aids to spear or dart throwing. It is basically a stick, which you hold on one end, with a spear or very long dart (typically five to six feet long) nocked into a nook, hook or cup at the other end. 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. Be the first to know about sales, upcoming events, and happenings at 3Rivers Archery! The flipping motion of the thrower's elbow and shoulder in effect adds a joint to the throwers arm. The spear should be longer, about three to five feet. Atlatls were especially prominent in the iconography of the warriors of the Teotihuacan culture of Central Mexico. Events are often held at parks, such as Letchworth State Park in New York, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Illinois, or Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. Atlatl events commonly include the International Standard Accuracy Competition (ISAC), in which contestants throw ten times at a bull's-eye target. Using a flipping motion can propel darts to speeds close to 80 mph. [In Photos: The Clovis Culture & Stone Tools]. How to Use the Atlatl Spear Thrower - 3Rivers Archery Thunderbird Atlatl. It was used at least 17,000 years ago during Europes Upper Paleolithic era. "We can now be assured that those assumptions were right," Hutchings told Live Science. Several Amazonian tribes also used the atlatl for fishing and hunting. By carving correctly, you can make the spear have a sharper or duller tip. [32] Throws of almost 260m (850ft) have been recorded. Developing the skills to be able to accurately throw the atlatl to making your own equipment adds to the enjoyment. Smooth, sleek design. We can ship Priority Mail Express through December 22 for an extra charge. December 21, 2022; Holiday Shipping Schedule! If you are buying Christmas gifts, please try to get your order in by December 15 so we can get the order out to you in time for Christmas. The Aztecs used the Atlatl in the area of what is now Mexico. Then grip the Atlatl with the spear holding the spear at eye level. Hand-Drill Fire Kits Bow Strings Sinew Bow String HuntTraditional Finger Tabs Arm Guards Simple Finger Tabs The Y holds the dart in place, allowing the atlatlist to focus on aiming and casting the spear, rather than fancy fingerwork. The Atlatl is used for spear-throwing, usually three to eight feet in length. 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. How to throw an atlatl SPEAR THROWER! Can I hit the target? The thrower holds the atlatl handle in the palm of her hand and pinches the dart shaft with her fingers. The Osceola comes with an atlatl weight attached. Simple, traditional design inspired by the Basketmaker atlatls of the American Southwest. The spear-thrower is a low-mass, fast-moving extension of the throwing arm, increasing the length of the lever. Highly flexible and finely-crafted wooden atlatl. 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. Atlatl - Spear Throwing Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Time to buy atlatl gifts for the holidays! The atlatl is a throwing spear that has a hook on one end and a handle on the other. The Paddle Grip allows the atlatlist throw with the wrist facing the target, gaining more leverage. 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. Adjust your carving as necessary. Thanks22 Coupon! In this post, we explore all the details about this great ancient weapon revealing all the forgotten facts that are worth knowing. Essentially, its a throwing device using a spear (known as a dart) that uses leverage to give more velocity. Thanks22 Coupon! The Atlatl greatly improved spear-throwing speeds and distances. 99. . FREE delivery Fri, Jan 13 . One only has to cast a dart to appreciate its true power and stability. This throwing style is lower impact, so it's ideal for people with elbow or wrist pain. Routledge; Paris: Unesco, London; New York, p.1064, National Museum of Anthropology and History, "The Atlatl: Most Underrated Stone Age Tool? Ask the experts: 260.587.9501 | Customer Service, Call Us: 260.587.9501 | Customer Service. The other end of the spear should be slightly tapered to allow it to be placed in the thrower. Features Paddle Grip provides more leverage and allows for lower impact throwing. Knecht, H. (1997) Projectile technology, New York, Plenum Press, 408 p. Perkins, W. (1993) "Atlatl Weights, Function and Classification". Is there a Solutrean-Clovis Connection in the American Colonization? Atlatl are an amazingly simple but effective. In the sixth episode of the fourth season of the television competition Top Shot, the elimination round consisted of two contestants using the atlatl at ranges of 30, 45 and 60 feet. Where do Thunderbird Atlatls get their names from? Looking forward to 2023, the Thunderbird Atlatl staff is setting up our calendar and planning trips for the year! This is a dangerous weapon. How to throw the atlatl - accurate for hunting. Kanakadea, Catatonk, Catatonk Hunter, Nanticoke, Wyalusing, Y REST ATLATLS [37][38] Starting in 2012, Missouri allowed the use of atlatls during the fall archery deer and turkey hunting seasons and, starting in 2014, allowed the use of atlatls during the spring turkey hunting season as well. The Atlatl Spear, or just the Atlatl, is the name of several pre-modern tools associated with spear throwing. This extra length allows the thrower to impart force to the dart over a longer distance, thus imparting more energy and higher speeds.[5]. [35] The animals that would be allowed to atlatl hunters have yet to be determined, but particular consideration has been given to deer. Gift Certificates Available for last minute Atlatl Shopping! Check out our Free22Shipping coupon! Holiday Savings Continue! [40] The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission allows the use of atlatls for the taking of deer as of 2013[update]. This atlatl takes advantage of the flexibility of bamboo to provide a natural spring release system. A ruler from Teotihucan named Spearthrower Owl is an important figure described in Mayan stelae. Off to a busy start for the new year! This will stabilize the spear in flight. Hardwood is better for a sturdier throw, but slightly softer wood may be better for a sling effect. Boxes go out every day during this busy season. It has a knuckled handgrip for better control and a tropical hardwood button tine inserted and cemented into the head of the atlatl. Unfortunately, shipping has dramatically increased over the last year as shippers face increasing fuel costs and payroll costs. The leverage it gives you for throwing is unparalleled. However, these tools date back to the Early Archaic subperiod, which came after the Paleo-Indian period. We can send the gift certificates out to your recipient by email immediately to arrive asap. Download to Your Calendar. Hirst, K. Kris. Estlica handles were commonly carved and modeled to represent real world accounts like animals and deities. ThoughtCo. 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. Also known as an Atlatl, these spear throwing levers greatly increase the power and distance of a spear in flight. The American scientific name for the spearthrower is from the Aztec language, Nahuatl. Build your own atlatl from a kit save money and customize your atlatl to your liking. Method 1 Using a Hook-Shaped Branch Download Article 1 Find a straight branch with a hook shape on the end of it. Happy Thanksgiving! Similarly, you may wonder what an atlatl is and how it works. They are called atlatls, because that's what the Aztecs were calling them when the Spanish arrived. As always, use common sense, exercise caution, and look before you throw. During the Ice Age, the atlatl was used by humans to hunt Megafauna. This atlatl is also available as a kit that you can finish yourself. Unfortunately for the Spanish, the Europeans had forgotten how to use them. Now is your chance. 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. Features Y and can be thrown without using fingers. Simply put, archaeologists do not know how old the technology is. 99. . Keeping the point straight, slowly start the forward throwing method. She routinely is in the shop; making sure we are getting our jobs done. The ancient Greeks and Romans used a leather thong or loop, known as an ankule or amentum, as a spear-throwing device. 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. 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. Gift Certificates Available for last minute Atlatl Shopping! History suggests that mastodons were hunted using these primitive weapons. Valentina (Tina) always made sure she rode to the post office every time we went. The Catatonk Hunter Atlatl is ergonomically designed for hunting or fishing. History of mankind (1994). 2023 Three Rivers Archery Supply, Inc. Three Rivers Archery Supply, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Other terms in use around the globe include spear thrower, woomera (in Australia), and propulseur (in French). The notch of the Atlatl thrower should go on the end of the convex side of the curved (and carved) branch. In this short video, Bob Berg shows why using an atlatl is an improvement over throwing spears with your bare hand. Youre going to learn how to make an atlatl spear. Others claim that spear-thrower weights add only stability to a cast, resulting in greater accuracy. If youre a hunter like most of us are, youll be interested in this post. When did Democrats and Republicans switch platforms? Questions, give us a call at 1-800-836-4520! 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. 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. 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. In the mid Holocene,[27] Aboriginal people in Australia developed spear-throwers, known as woomeras. The Atlatl gives you the ability to throw as if you had another joint in your arm. Some of our pieces are slightly charred and oiled, which would have been a surface treatment well within the grasp of hunter gatherers. Although not yet field tested for the purpose we believe this atlatl could be shot in outer space. Thanks to Skillshare for sponsoring this video. But learning is part of the fun. This method should be similar to a pitcher throwing a fastball using many of the same mechanics. It's usually about as long as the user's arm or forearm. Speed & Penetration: Atlatl vs. Hand Thrown Dart, Bannerstones And How They Relate To The Atlatl. The best part about these devices is the simplicity and ease of use. This sleek, ergonomicaly designed atlatl features a knuckled grip that hides speed and smoothness in its unique, beautiful design. The word 'Atlatl' derives from Aztec meaning a spear throwing stick device. Darts resemble large arrows or small spears and are typically from 1.2 to 2.7m (4 to 9ft) in length and 9 to 16mm (3/8" to 5/8") in diameter. Atlatl Guide: The Ultimate Spear Throwing Device - The Survival Journal We have paid close attention to dart placement relative to the handgrip so that the atlatlist will have maximum power. Its basically a piece of bone, ivory, or wood that is slightly curved. Free shipping for many products! [17] The estlica is also known from Moche culture, including detailed respresentations on painted pottery, and in representations on textiles of the Wari culture[18], The Andean estlica had a wooden body with a hook that was made of stone or metal. The throwing arm together with the atlatl acts as a lever. Archaeological evidence indicates that hunter-gathers in the Old World used atlatls beginning at least 18,000 years ago. This is crucial. Some even preferred this weapon over the bow and arrow, and used it not only in combat but also in sports competitions. It is built for maximum speed, without giving up any shooting stability. Super Educational ATLATL instructional HuntPrimitive 169K subscribers Subscribe 61K views 5 years ago HuntPrimitive How to's Primitive Hunter. Turn your body so that you are facing between 45 and 90 in relation to the target. The Catatonk is durable and well-suited for both beginner and seasoned atlatlists. Bowhunters Supply Store - Atlatl Thrower Carbon Fiber Composite Handle - Compatible with Carbon Express Atlatl Darts. 2023 Three Rivers Archery Supply, Inc. Three Rivers Archery Supply, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Atlatl Basics Wilderness Awareness School [36] Starting in 2007, Missouri allowed use of the atlatl for hunting wildlife (excluding deer and turkey), and starting in 2010, also allowed deer hunting during the firearms portion of the deer season (except the muzzleloader portion). There are many techniques on how to throw an atlatl. Get ready for the holidays! Premium design suited for hunting and target shooting. See the difference in speed and penetration! Archaeologists began to recognize atlatls in the late 19th century. [citation needed], Estlicas are depicted along with maces, clubs, and shields on Moche vessels that illustrate warfare. [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. Introduction: An atlatl is a dart (or small spear)-throwing tool designed to increase distance and accuracy for hunting or warfare. Thus women and children would have been able to participate in hunting. The very earliest atlatl found to date is a simple antler hook dated to the Solutrean period (about 17,500 years ago), recovered from the site of Combe Sauniere. Arrowhead Earrings, sinew, adhesives, large packs of hafting resin and, of course, our wide, variety of quality atlatls and darts! Welcome to the Archer's Den. When backwoodsmen hear the term primitive spear, this is what pops up in their head. Holiday Shipping Schedule! Our shop is ready to handle this last busy week as we head to the end or the year. Follow Joseph Castro on Twitter. If you were an Aboriginal Australian, you would call it a woomera, and Yupik Eskimos called them nuqaq (nook-ack). January 25, 2023; Gift Certificates Available for last minute Atlatl Shopping! We are happy to mail out your gift certificate if you prefer that type of delivery. Thunderbird Atlatl | The world's foremost atlatl and dart outfitter [14] At present there is no evidence for the use of atlatls in Africa. No rest cradle the dart between your fingers. Wondering how much further you can throw a spear with an Atlatl? Simple, functional, durable atlatl featuring a rest. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, We have chosen the hammer grip design over the paddle grip because the human hand transfers power more effectively with the hammer grip. The user reaches back with the spear pointed at the target. The ahtlatl could also throw spears as its name implies "spear thrower". In history, they were developed as hunting tools after the good old-fashioned spear, and before the bow. In 1521, the Spanish conquest of the Aztec peoples by Hernan Cortes had finished, but not without extensive use of the Atlatl by the Aztecs as a combat tool against the Spanish forces. Arrowhead Earrings, sinew, adhesives, large packs of hafting resin and, of course, our wide, variety of quality atlatls and darts! The Canandaigua features a paddle grip, as opposed to the hammer grip found in the rest of our atlatls. [citation needed] It can be described as a very long staff sling that throws a spear-sized dart instead of a rock-like projectile. At this point, if your Atlatl thrower does not have a curve, you can carve a slight curve into it. Time to buy atlatl gifts for the holidays! 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. The Atlatl (pronounced at-latal or atal-atal) is becoming more popular each year with archers looking for a new challenge. By the Iron Age, the amentum, a strap attached to the shaft, was the standard European mechanism for throwing lighter javelins. 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. The Atlatl greatly improved spear-throwing speeds and distances. Along with improved ease of use, the bow offered the advantage that the bulk of elastic energy is stored in the throwing device, rather than the projectile; arrow shafts can therefore be much smaller, and have looser tolerances for spring constant and weight distribution than atlatl darts. 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! The user can hold the spear, with the index and thumb, with the same hand as the thrower, with the other fingers. Holiday Savings Continue! Specially designed for hunting and fishing. The WAA keeps a list of world champions and ranking master atlatl throwers. Flexible bamboo composite atlatl, which provides a spring release system. In this time period, atlatls were usually made of wood or bone. To order your 3Rivers Archery catalog, please fill out the catalog order form here and we'll send you our latest catalog FREE. How to throw the atlatl - accurate for hunting. Super - YouTube 1-800-836-4520 On one end, there's a handle, and on the other, there's a hook. The earliest solid evidence of atlatls in the New World, then, are 9,000- to 10,000-year-old spear-thrower hooks from Warm Mineral Springs, a sinkhole in Florida. [34], Atlatls are sometimes used in modern times for hunting. Two or three feathers on the spear will do. [citation needed], The atlatl, as used by these Tarairiu warriors, was unique in shape. The Paddle Grip allows the atlatlist throw with the wrist facing the target, gaining more leverage. The Tiogas interestingly sculptured design allows the easy loading of darts while running or walking which can be important during hunting and film shoots. 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. All of these atlatls were designed by Bob Berg, and are manufactured by hand in our workshop in Candor, NY. The notch should be L-shaped and designed to incorporate the spear. Here you will find a gathering of traditional archery stories, tips and techniques, trophy animals taken with traditional bows, and plenty more. The motion used by the thrower is similar to that of an overhand baseball pitcher. Karl Hutchings, an archaeologist at Thompson Rivers University in Canada, holds a Clovis spear point. 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 term was first noted by the American anthropologist Zelia Nuttall [18571933], who wrote about Mesoamerican atlatls in 1891, based on drawn images and three surviving examples. It should be able to fit inside a notch in the Atlatl. Catatonk Hunter, Wyalusing, Otsiningo, MOST TRADITIONAL / AUTHENTIC Check Out Our Free Shipping Coupon! Available in Hickory, Walnut, Osage Orange. 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. Grasp the atlatl in your throwing hand with the back end of the dart placed to the rear of the atlatl. The Kanakadea is available in both child and adult sizes, and comes in two flavors: smooth-handled (made of one piece of wood) and Wedged with a hardwood wedge inserted in the handle to add more weight to the handle. It should not be confused with another Bian Jian (). 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. Recent Posts. [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. [20] The atlatl appears in the artwork of Chavn de Huantar, such as on the Black and White Portal. 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. It uses enhanced leverage to gain a higher level of velocity during javelin or dart-throwing. This atlatl uses technology thousands of years old to make one of the fastest spring release systems known to man. Over the busy holiday weekend through Monday, November 28, take some time and check out some of new items in our online catalog. 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. The working end of the shaft may simply be sharpenedor be modified to include a pointed projectile point. Making A Spear Thrower and Spear (Atlatl) - YouTube Available with or without leather loops. Highly polished antler, wood and bamboo are a visual treat. Raise your throwing arm so the dart is close to eye level and in-line with the target. Original article on Live Science. Glue or tie the feathers on as if you were making arrows for archery. Thunderbird Atlatl Updating Shop; Order Early for Holidays! 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 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]. More natural in shape than the Nanticoke, the split shafts are hand scraped and well sanded following the natural flow of the grain. Archaeologists found decorated examples in the Moche culture burial of the Lady of Cao at El Brujo in the Chicama valley. Check Out Our Free Shipping Coupon! Aztec warfare - Wikipedia Atlatl - Spear Throwing - March 11th Canceled 2:00p to 3:00p Sat, March 05, 2022. Holiday Shipping Schedule! Thank you for checking out our webpage! 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. Make sure you are not near any animals, children, or other people in general. Atlatl Spear Thrower, Carved as a Bison, La Madeleine, Dordogne Valley, France, ca 15,000 BP. The throwing arm together with the atlatl acts as a lever. The Faustian Bargain of Technological Change: Evaluating the Socioeconomic Effects of the Bow and Arrow Transition in the Coast Salish Past. Print Collector/Getty Images / Getty Images. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. It may consist of a shaft with a cup or a spur at the end that supports and propels the butt of the spear. Today, the atlatl is used for sports ranging from target shooting, to hunting and fishing. "The Atlatl: 17,000 Year Old Hunting Technology." The Catatonk was designed in response to the demand for a quality atlatl at a reasonable price. The atlatl is held in one hand, gripped near the end farthest from the cup. [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]. 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 Wappasening is a hybrid, combining elements of design from both the Wyalusing and the Nanticoke. This is an excellent atlatl for the small handed individual. The atlatl is an ancient weapon predating the bow and arrow. . Common modern ball throwers (such as molded plastic arms used for throwing tennis balls for dogs to fetch) use the same principle. If you missed the shipping deadlines but still want to get an atlatl set for someone, Thunderbird Atlatl has gift certificates available.