South American Bola with Leather Covered Balls

Item TB144  

This Item was Sold on 21 October 2008 for $60


Similar artifacts for sale are often found on the South American Artifacts web page. 

Historical Pricing information for this item and similar artifacts can be found at: Historical Artifact Prices.


The bola is a primitive hunting tool that was originally used by the Chinese, Eskimos and South American Indians. Bolas are a throwing device made out of weights that are attached to the ends of interconnected cords. Bolas are designed to capture animals by entangling their legs. They are most famously used by the South American gauchos. Gauchos used bolas to capture running cattle or game.

For detailed information about bolas from different cultures, please visit the flight-toys bola web page.

This bola is a good example of a functional bola with twisted, leather cords. Each of the balls has a solid interior that is surrounded by a leather pouch. The leather pouches are decorated with black and tan colored strips that are woven into the perimeter of the balls. The three balls are approximately the same size. The leather is softer than what you normally find on the older bolas. This bola is probably a good choice if you feel the need to actual throw your bola instead of hanging it on the wall for display. Cord length = 91 -> 96 cm ; Ball diameters = 5.0 -> 5.5 cm ; Weight = 536 gm



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