N American? Africa? weapon?

Ian · 28th May 2016, 12:31 PM

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.

28th May 2016, 12:31 PM	#11
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,361	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.