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The Atlatl: Function and Performance

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Calvin D. Howard
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Abstract

Popular misconceptions relative to atlatl functions are identified. The manner in which an atlatl functions to increase spear impetus is explained and illustrated. Its performance is tested by experiments and resulting data are provided. These data indicate that the atlatl provides approximately 60% increased spear thrust. Experiments fail to indicate any benefit derived from the use of atlatl "weights."

Type
Reports
Information
American Antiquity , Volume 39 , Issue 1 , January 1974 , pp. 102 - 104
Copyright
Copyright © Society for American Archaeology 1974

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References

Browne, Jim 1940 Projectile points. American Antiquity 5:209–213.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hill, Malcolm W. 1948 The atlatl or throwing stick, a recent study of atlatls in use with darts of various sizes. Tennessee Archaeologist 4:37–44.Google Scholar
Mason, Otis T. 1884 Throwing-sticks in the National Museum. Smithsonian Annual Report 2:279–289.Google Scholar
Peets, Orville H. 1960 Experiments in the use of atlatl weights. American Antiquity 26:108–110.CrossRefGoogle Scholar