N American? Africa? weapon?

[Ian]

Tim:

That's an interesting item. Like others have already noted, I don't recall having seen another one like it.

As a possible spear thrower, there are many cultures that have used such a device (the Australian aboriginal woomera, the atiati of the Aztecs, etc.) and the Romans used leather slings for a similar purpose. However, it does not look right for an object designed to be a spear thrower. The man-made notch in the short protruding arm is upside down compared with the usual shape for holding a spear or similar projectile, while the "V" between the short and long arm is too rounded to reliably hold a spear.

Are you sure that the hair is from a horse. Would that not be unusual for Africa?

I don't know what it is, but its design does not strike me as an efficient spear thrower.

Ian.

[Tim Simmons]

I do not know if it is an atlatl or not just guessing. Interesting that the seller not being a weapon collector called it a fly swat club. So the wooden part must appear even to a novice heavy enough to suggest weaponry. It should be here soon.

[Pukka Bundook]

Tim,

If it's any help, the Atlatl seemed to die out in N America when the bow came into use, (with some overlap of course) but the bow has been used for 2,000 years.
I think the hook part is too long and the way it is cut would weaken it as a spear -thrower, and then shaft looks thin for such a purpose as well.
The carving and wood look African still to me, and the hair looks wiry, like from a cow tail rather than horse. (horse-hair often straight)
Back -scratcher??
Of course, when you have it in hand you can judge better!

Best,
Richard.

[Roland_M]

Hello Tim,

I think it is a fly whisk, symbolizing a man with an enormous large appendix. A symbol for a special delicate capability.

[Tim Simmons]

The thread will need moving. It is amazing how pictures can tell different stories. It is a South African switch and head scratcher, not long enough for a back scratcher. It exquisite in its way, delicately carved deer foot light in hand, and looks as light as deer flight.