New Experimental Data on the Distance of Sling Projectiles Denmark: an experimental perspective

Author(s): Margaret Brown Vega; Nathan Craig

Year: 2009

Summary

J. Whittaker: Central Andes, Peru, ethnographic slingers asked to throw for distance. Variable throwing style [no details], irregular river stones 4-9 x 2.5-4.5 cm comparable to archaeol specimens, local wool slings ca 1.8 m long. Recorded 142 casts, men, women, youths. Adult men do best, youth may not practice as much now, women up with men except for longest distances. Max distance 130 m, mean 65 m. Finney experiments (novice slinger) at UK Iron Age hill forts underestimate possible range. This data shows would clear defensive walls in Peru. “Strong tradition of slinging among Andean women... some reported having used slings in battle during recent land disputes”. Major use is in herding. [No info on accuracy].

Cite this Record

New Experimental Data on the Distance of Sling Projectiles Denmark: an experimental perspective. Margaret Brown Vega, Nathan Craig. Journal of Archaeological Science. 36 (6): 1264-1268. 2009 ( tDAR id: 422816)

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): EXARC Experimental Archaeology Collection Manager

Record Identifiers

ExArc Id(s): 9515

Notes

Rights & Attribution: The information in this record was originally compiled by Dr. Roeland Paardekooper, EXARC Director.