Explain what an atlatl is and how a hunter used it?

Answer 1

An atlatl is an ancient throwing device first used by primitive man before the development of the bow and arrow. Before this, man used a spear which caused people to have to be fairly close to it's prey. When hunting animals like the Mammoth, this was extremely dangerous. Once he developed the atlatl, he could stand at a distance and throw the dart with accuracy at a long distance. The actual atlatl part of this (throwing stick) is made from a piece of wood about a foot long by 2 inches wide. It has a small spur on one end to "knock" the dart into. There are many styles from many different countries in different periods of history - the Australian Aborigines still use them for hunting and theirs is more of a throwing board as it is 4 to 5 inches wide ( Alaskan tribes also still use them for fishing). The dart that rests on the atlatl is usually made from a sapling and can be from 3 feet to 9 feet long (looks like a very long arrow). It usually has a set of fletching of turkey feathers, much like an arrow, and at the other end has a point - flintknapped stone points were originally used. When thrown with the atlatl, it works much like an arrow in flight as it waffles and twirls from the force. Accuracy is good up to about 30 meters. This has been just a really simple explaination but if you would like to learn more, please Google the World Atlatl Association or visit Paleoplanet.