South American Bola with Leather Covered Balls

Item TB161 

This Item was Sold on 7 December 2008 for $67


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 or boleadoras 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 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 perimeter of each ball is braided with white and black leather strips. This bola is probably strong enough to throw, but it would be better to hang it on the wall for display. Cord length = 81 -> 89 cm ; Ball diameters = 5.5 -> 6.0 cm ; Weight = 590 gm



Back to: Collectable Artifacts | South American Artifacts | Historical Artifact Prices | Primitive Technology | contact: Ted Bailey