N American? Africa? weapon?

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.

28th May 2016, 02:07 PM	#13
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.