Mastering the Atlatl: The Ultimate Prehistoric Hunting Tool (Video)
Have you ever heard of the atlatl? It's a prehistoric hunting tool that has been used for thousands of years, predating the bow and arrow . It consists of a long stick, usually made from wood or bone, with a hook or spur on one end that holds a dart or spear. By using a throwing motion that leverages the length of the atlatl, hunters were able to achieve greater speed and accuracy than with a hand-thrown spear.
In fact, some experts argue that the atlatl was even more important for human survival than the bow and arrow, as it allowed early humans to hunt more efficiently and effectively. Today, the atlatl is still used by some indigenous peoples for hunting and fishing, as well as by hobbyists and enthusiasts who appreciate its unique historical and cultural significance.
- New Evidence Shows Humans Were Using Bows and Arrows in 52,000 BC
- World’s Oldest Stone Tools and Weapons Found in Ethiopia
Top image: Prehistoric hunter with his weapon. Source: Daniel Eskridge / Adobe Stock.