When people
think of Native American tools, bows, and arrows are among the
first things that spring to mind, and with good reason. Just
about every Native American community had some form of a bow and arrow that was
used for hunting or warfare, and sometimes for both.
Before the bow
and arrow, Native Americans, along with people from many other cultures
worldwide used something called an Atlatl for hunting and fishing.
Essentially an atlatl is a dart thrower that allows hunters to throw a dart or
arrow farther and faster than by hand alone. To learn more about this ancient
technology and to make and throw your own atlatl, The Institute for American Indian Studies is hosting a very special workshop, Atlatl Workshop with Susan
Scherf, on May 11 from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
The Workshop
If you like to
make things with your hands and test your skills, then this workshop is for
you. Participants in the atlatl workshop will learn about the history and
different designs of this useful tool that was used by Native
Americans as well as by a multitude of cultures around the world. Under the
guidance of IAIS Educator, Susan Scherf, participants will
learn about the different designs of this ancient weapon before making their
own atlatl.
The fun really
begins with learning how to use your newly made atlatl and seeing how much
farther your arrow goes. The atlatl session ends with a friendly atlatl
throwing competition. If you become an atlatl fan, you might end up
competing in atlatl competitions that are held throughout the world!
This workshop
is $5 for members of the Institute and $15 for non-members and, an adult
must accompany participants under 18. To
reserve your spot for this fun and educational workshop call 860-868-0518 or
email general@iaismuseum.org.
About the Atlatl
An atlatl is one of humankind's first mechanical inventions
that preceded the bow and arrow in most parts of the world. Basically, an
atlatl is a type of lever that was used to throw a spear farther and faster
towards the quarry. The word atlatl comes from the Nahuatl language of the
Aztecs who were using them when the Spanish arrived in the 1500s.
According to the World Atlatl Association, early people in
the Americas used atlatls to hunt mammoths and mastodons around 11,000 years
ago. Much later, a variety of atlatl types were used in different parts of
North America.
Atlatls continued to be used alongside bows and arrows by
many Native Americans after the introduction of the bow.
Typically the projectile point or spear point was made of stone
such as chert using a process known as flint knapping. The point was attached
to a wooden shaft made of hardwood such as ash, hickory, oak, cedar, walnut or
birch.
The
Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS)
Located on 15 woodland acres the IAIS preserves and educates
through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. We have an
outdoor replicated 16th c. Algonkian Village and Wigwam Escape and a
Museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from
prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of
the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is
located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.
Typically the
projectile point of the spearhead was made of hard stone such as flint that was
made by a Native American flintknapper. The spearhead was attached to a
wooden shaft made of hardwood such as ash, hickory, oak, cedar, walnut or
birch. The spear measured about 4 feet long and the atlatl thrower
measured about two feet long and was typically made of wood or antler.
In time, an
atlatl weight was added to the spear thrower as a counter-balance and good luck
charm to help the hunter hit his quarry. The spear holder was
retained after the spear was thrown and sometimes a leather thong was attached
to help the thrower retain it.
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| Birdstone weight |
About The Institute for American
Indian Studies (IAIS)
Located on 15
woodland acres the IAIS preserves and educates through archeology, research,
exhibitions, and programs. We have an outdoor replicated 16th c.
Algonkian Village, Wigwam Escape Room, Museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic
artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new
understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native
Americans. The
Institute for American Indian Studies is
located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.
