The Problem of the Atlatl

Author(s): E Y Guernsey

Year: 1940

Summary

J. Whittaker: “additional lever or toggle-joint by means of which comination the propulsive force applied to the spearshaft is greatly increased.” “We have scratched the surface of an intriguing field of research....and prolific literature.” [Already! and mentions experiments - personal? - but no descriptions]. Problems: origins, symbolic significance. Green River sites, Webb’s conclusions about bannerstones which he regards as from poor analogy to Guernsey + Kidders SW atlatls which had only small “charms” attached. Lists Moores objections to Webb, notes many “hooks” too fragile for atlatl parts, many points would require too heavy a shaft. Also unlikely to be atlatls because occur in juvenile + female burials. Also antler hooks much more restricted distribution than bannerstones.

Cite this Record

The Problem of the Atlatl. E Y Guernsey. Proceedings of the Indiana Academy of Science. 49: 17-21. 1940 ( tDAR id: 423363)

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

Keywords

General
Atlatl Hunting Weapon

Geographic Keywords
USA

Spatial Coverage

min long: -129.199; min lat: 24.495 ; max long: -66.973; max lat: 49.359 ;

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): EXARC Experimental Archaeology Collection Manager

Record Identifiers

ExArc Id(s): 10174

Notes

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