All inspired by archaeological and ethnographic examples, we have several atlatl design choices here that have been handcrafted with natural and traditional materials. On our previous Atlatls page we have darts made to match these throwers in all authentic materials. We also now have aluminum take down practice darts for sustained field use without damage that would occur with primitive darts. All of our atlatls have elements of the ancient designs.
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| Modern functional atlatl based on the archaeology of ancient Mexico |
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Here are some examples of atlatl designs from around the world in time and space. Some are strict replicas of museum examples, and others are modern functional atlatls based on ancient designs. New models are still being made by taking the best design elements of different cultures to create modern sport hybrids. We have found that nothing brings archaeology to life more than throwing an atlatl for the first time.
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PRE-COLUMBIAN STYLE ATLATL $75
Inspired by the archaeology of ancient Mexico, this functional atlatl model uses grips that were molded and cast from the authentic original. In 2011, an authentic shell atlatl finger grip was sent to Occpaleo for molding and casting. It was made out of Spondylus shell, and it dates to the Shaft Tomb Complex(around 2,000 years ago) in Western Mexico. It is almost identical to the shell loops on the famous atlatl that Cortes collected during the Spanish Conquest, which currently resides in the British Museum. Cast in strong modern epoxy, this modern set is fit on a main shaft of Mohagony which is 23 inches long, in the hafting style of the known examples from Pre-Columbian Meso America. (SEE ITEM)
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MESO AMERICAN STYLE ATLATL $95
This atlatl is based on a study of Pre-Colombian atlatls. These fantastic finger grips are epoxy casts, after the authentic originals were sent to Occpaleo for molding and casting in 2011. The originals were carved in Spondylus shell in the shape of a frog. They are from the Shaft Tomb Complex(around 2,000 years old) in the area of Western Mexico. They are now being recognized as perhaps the finest example of shell finger loops known to archaeology. The main shaft is Central American Rosewood, and is 23 inches long. This is a functional replica, and this style grip allows for the "Basketmaker" style of throwing with ease and durability. (see ITEMS FOR SALE) to pay with credit card, or to join with multiple items.
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| The "Colima Atlatl" with casts of Frog shell loops |
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BASKETMAKER STYLE ATLATL $65
The Basketmaker style is named after the cultures of the American southwest. This design is unique to the Americas, and it is the one most found in the Archaeological record, throughout rock art and in dry caves. Our model is based on the average measurements of those recorded, and we have chosen the classic materials of Osage Orange wood and genuine Braintan Buckskin. The soft loops form an easy to use grip for both left and right handed throwers, and the channel in front of the spur makes this model the easiest to "load" with a dart. This atlatl is a perfect match to our Shepherd model practice darts. To see more pictures, and/or to order with credit card, see (ITEMS FOR SALE) page.
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| The Classic American Basketmaker Atlatl in Osage |
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Traditional Atlatl in Bamboo $25
This atlatl is a blend of several examples found in the archaeological record. It features the basketmaker style buckskin loops of the desert southwest, and the spur was inspired by an archaeological antler example found in Florida. After seeing the bamboo atlatls from New Guinea, we realized that this material had the perfect flex for a modern sport atlatl. The atlatl was made from an extra large 5 inch diameter section of Moso bamboo, a wonderful sustainable resource. This is a great starter design, with the finger loops fitting both right and left handed throwers. The atlatl is 24 inches long, and has a very traditional look despite not being a strict replica. The spur is lashed with flax fiber and hide glue.
(see ITEMS FOR SALE)
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NEW MODEL AVAILABLE ON MARCH 1 2012
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The Indian Knoll Atlatl model $125
This atlatl is an interpretation of the excavations at Indian Knoll, KY. Dating to around 3 to 4,000 years ago, this grave site contained items in burials that most archaeologists believe are atlatl components. Antler handles and hooks were found with drilled holes along with bannerstones. Objects from Indian Knoll in all three categories have been replicated here in the original materials. Although some of these were found in line together, it is not known how they were connected, since any wood would have disintegrated thousands of years ago. We have chosen a thick sapling of eastern Wild Currant as the main shaft connector, since this easily fit the known dimensions of the drilled holes, and was a favorite wood for the Native Americans of the East to use for arrows. The total length of the atlatl is about 20 inches long, speculating that the length of East Coast atlatls might be shorter than those of the Great Plains. The handle and spur are made in whitetail deer antler, and the hourglass bannerstone is made in Grey Banded Slate, as were many of eastern original bannerstones. Although this model was tested as functional, it was made as a museum quality item for archaeology demonstration or display. (see ITEMS FOR SALE page)
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| Possible look of the Eastern Woodlands atlatls |
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| Bannerstone replica in Banded Slate |
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| Spur of Whitetail deer antler |
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The Paleolithic replica/cast series was inspired by our recent trip to France to see the wonderful cave art there. The spear thrower(called propulseurs) components from that region are perhaps the oldest in the world, with some dating back over 20,000 years old. Most of the originals were made in reindeer antler, with some made in mammoth ivory. In this section, we have recreated and interpreted several of the ancient objects so that they might look and function as they would have if their handles and spurs were still attached. The original idea was just to test the design out, but it turns out to be a great functional art piece as well. We hope to add more every year as more trips are made and more artifacts studied. Unlike the previous generation of plaster casts, these replicas are made in a high quality epoxy infused with glass fibers for structural strength. They have actually thrown light darts in testing, but are intended for archaeological display and not prolonged field use.
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The Springing Horse of Bruniquel $35
This replica in high strength epoxy shows the wonderful craftsmanship of Paleolithic Europe. The original was carved in reindeer antler during the Magdalenian Period(around 12 to 17,000 years ago) in Bruniquel, France. It measures just over 11 inches long, and it was believed to be part of a decorative spear thrower. In addition to being a weapon, this item is considered to be one of the best examples of paleolithic art, showing the potential energy in the folding legs of the jumping horse. (SEE ITEM)
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| Replica of the "Springing Horse" spear thrower of Paleolithic Europe |
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The Spear Thrower of La Madeleine $35
Called the "Creeping Hyena" of La Madeleine, it was excavated from that archaeological rock shelter as dating to the period of around 12 to 17,000 years. The original was carved in mammoth ivory, and it represents one of the most amazing carvings of the Upper Paleolithic in Europe. The carved animal is thought to be a Hyena by most in Europe and a calf by most shown here in the United States. It has a carved in spur for use as an atlatl, but the handle section was not attached when excavated. It is reproduced here as a complete atlatl in modern epoxy polymer for strength. (see ITEMS FOR SALE) to purchase with credit card or to purchase multiple items.
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| The Spear Thrower of La Madeleine |
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On our previous Atlatl main page we offer darts to match these atlatl throwers. On our next page, we offer atlatl weights that can be added to throwers as well as archaeological replicas for collectors.
ATLATL DARTS
ATLATL WEIGHTS
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