The atlatl is a device that is used to throw a light weight spear called a dart with considerable mechanical advantage. Atlatls were widely used world wide before the advent of the bow and arrow. Atlatl (pronounced like 'atlantic') is an Aztec word for spear thrower. In Australia, the Aborigines call it the Woomera or Miru. The oldest known atlatl is more than 19,000 years old. It is believed that the atlatl was in use for more than 40,000 years. The atlatl gave man a tremendous hunting advantage and this accelerated the extinction of many large mammals throughout the world. The power that the atlatl imparts to the spear is so great that the Aztecs re-adopted the technology for it's armor piercing capabilities against the Spaniards in the sixteenth century.

 

Today, many people are rediscovering the atlatl for the recreational purposes of competition and hunting game. Competition involves the following events: long distance; accuracy and target throwing. Some competitions are restricted to the use of primitive materials and technologies. Other competitions allow the use of modern high tech materials and construction methods. The World Record for long distance currently stands at 848.56 feet. This throw was made by Dave Ingvall of St. Joseph, Missouri, USA on 15 July 1995 in Aurora, Colorado. Dave used a carbon fibre atlatl with an aluminum dart of his own construction.

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

This atlatl is a light weight contemporary model made for sport throwing of darts by Norm Blaker of Michigan. It features a leather wrapped handle and a peg made out of deer antler. The peg also forms the beak of a carved bird head that is lashed onto the dart end with sinew binding. The atlatl is thin along the flexure axis to allow the atlatl to flex during the launch. Although this atlatl has simple construction, it is designed well and very comfortable for launching darts. Length = 51 cm ; Weight = 128 gm