Spear-thrower
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A spear-thrower, spear-throwing lever, or atlatl is a tool that uses leverage to achieve greater velocity in dart or javelin throwing, and includes a bearing surface that allows the user to store ener
A silver Peruvian atlatl from the 12th–15th century
Atlatl in use
Bannerstone atlatl weight, c. 2000 BC. Archaic peoples; Ohio
Ceremonial spear thrower, Peru, 1–300 A.D., Lombards Museum
Woomera (spear-thrower)
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A woomera is an Australian Aboriginal wooden spear-throwing device. Similar to an atlatl, it serves as an extension of the human arm, enabling a spear to travel at a greater speed and force than possi
Spear-thrower
…In the Americas, the Nahuatl word atlatl is often used for revived uses of spear-throwers (or the Mayan word hul'che); in Australia, the Dharug word woomera is used instead. The ancient Greeks and Romans used a leather thong or loop, known as an ankule or amentum, as a spear-throwing device. The Swiss arrow…
The woomera in this picture is the wooden object at left.
Mokare with spear and woomera. Another woomera lies at his feet.
A sharp stone attached to the end of the handle