The Atlatl

The atlatl (pronounce in 4 syllables, at-l-at-l) was developed early in history to enhance spear throwing. The word comes from the Aztec language and means  weapon. The ancient Greeks and Romans had used a leather loop or thong on their hands for the same purpose, but using a stick or rod further increased the usefulness. 

Native Americans used an atlatl to great advantage, and it was likely used long before the bow and arrow. Some believe early groups brought the technology with them when they crossed the Bering Strait. They used the atlatl for fishing as well as hunting. 

Sometimes the atlatl has also been called a spear thrower. It greatly improved both the accuracy and distance when throwing the spear, because it was an extension for the arm. By lengthening the arm, the leverage increased. Therefore, the man could stand much farther back and still hit his target. This became especially helpful when hunting dangerous animals or fighting enemies.

Eventually, with the atlatl, spears became lighter and smaller, especially when used for hunting smaller animals and fish. In some places these small spears looked more like arrows or darts. The atlatl made this possible.

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