Atlatl Demonstrations at Big Bone Park
Friday, April 1st, 2011The atlatl or “spear-thrower” is a primitive long-range throwing weapon. The atlatl is believed to have been used by Homo sapiens since the Upper Paleolithic period (about 30,000 years ago). The atlatl uses leverage to throw darts at nearly 100 miles per hour. Though it can throw a dart over 100 yards, the atlatl is most accurately used at distances of 20 yards or less.
According to Wikipedia, the atlatl “consists of a shaft with a cup or a spur, which may be integrated into the weapon or made separately and attached, in which the butt of the projectile, properly called a dart, rests. The atlatl is held in one hand, gripped near the end farthest from the cup. The dart is thrown by the action of the upper arm and wrist in combination with the atlatl as an extension of the throwing arm, adding significant force through increased angular momentum.”
Join the park naturalist to learn first-hand the grace and power of this weapon that would end up shaping human culture. These demonstrations are free events where participants learn about and get to throw atlatl darts.
The demonstrations run 1:00pm – 2:30pm on April 9, May 14, and June 11, 2011.
