N American? Africa? weapon?

Tim Simmons · 28th May 2016, 01:49 PM

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 · 28th May 2016, 02:07 PM

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 · 31st May 2016, 11:49 AM

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 · 1st June 2016, 03:29 PM

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.

1st June 2016, 03:29 PM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,890	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. Attached Images

28th May 2016, 01:49 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,890	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.

28th May 2016, 02:07 PM	#2
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	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.

31st May 2016, 11:49 AM	#3
Roland_M Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Germany Posts: 525	Hello Tim, I think it is a fly whisk, symbolizing a man with an enormous large appendix. A symbol for a special delicate capability.