Similar to a woomera. http://web.prm.ox.ac.uk/weapons/ind...ceania/arms-and-armour-oceania-200/index.html Keith.
I love atlatls, and I enjoy making and using them. I don't have the nerve (yet) to go after a wild boar with an atlatl like this guy did in the video below, but if pressed to hunt in SHTF situations I am certain that could easily take down a variety of animals with one. (I have bowhunted for many years, and practiced throwing atlatls for more than a few years.) https://www.hunter-ed.com/missouri/studyGuide/Using-an-Atlatl/202025_700136533/ As of this writing it is illegal to hunt with an atlatl in some places in the USA: http://www.thudscave.com/petroglyphs/atlatlstatelaws.htm But IMO, if you have private hunting land or it is SHTF time...then it's game on! I am a huge proponent of primitive tools and weapons because they can be readily made with just about any materials on hand...even so-called "trash." (Functional arrowheads are easily made with old broken toilets, glass jars, mirrors, etc.) This video will give you an idea of how one can be made on the spot, without any pre-made tools...and then used to take down a boar.
Wide metal "banding" or "strapping" material is easily sharpened into broadheads and can be found in many business dumpsters. You could get many small blades out of something like this: https://www.supplyhouse.com/Oatey-3...ping&msclkid=ae9d717dd83b13071e0a2d1ace1413b2 It's much easier than trying to fashion blades from stone or glass. Old eating utensils can be hammered into functional blades too.
Good ideas, Snyper! As for me, I (and most flintknappers) can bang out an arrowhead much quicker than it would take to work with metals. Most newbies that I have taught are surprised at how easy it is to quickly make even a rough tool in mere minutes. Of course, if you want to fashion a show-quality blade, it will take longer. .
The length ensures accuracy. Some can be as short as five feet long, but won't be as accurate as the seven to ten footers. They are also quite powerful: In the 16th century, the Aztecs fought Cortez with atlatls powerful enough to pierce the Spanish armor!
The reason why the shorter arrows work in a bow is that the speed behind the thrust is so much greater. The speed behind the throw in the atlatl is a LOT slower. A good analogy might be something like throwing a bullet with your hand, versus shooting it out of a gun...
Tip: if you use the five-footer, first practice throwing at a short distance, say around 15 or 20 feet, then gradually increase the distance as you master it. You will have a blast, and be amazed by the power of this ancient weapon! .
I've got to make it first!! that's been my problem all along getting the right piece of wood to make the thrower, the spear isn't a problem but the thrower is.
