kentuckythrower
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Illegitimi non carborundum
Posts: 244
Kentucky, U.S.A.
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Here's the latest information I have been able to find out at archaeological sites over here in the U.S... Generally speaking, spearthrowers (I refuse to use the term atalatl any more) generally run the length of the arm from the shoulder to the finger tip of the owner. In other words they were sized to the individual and each one is unique. These devices could be as simple as a forked twig trimmed down to serve the purpose, or a much more elaborate contraption made of an antler/bone/ivory hook and handle. Either way...it's all the same when push comes to shove.
Another thing to keep in mind is that even though we can take a spearthrower and launch a dart much further than than we could throw by hand, this weapon "system" was much more effective a close range...just a few yards/meters. I don't know how many of you have ever hunted deer and the like, but they have an uncanny capability to see motion...they are somehow able to see/sense any movement outside the ordinary. Hence...in order to hunt deer with a spear thrower, you don't want to move a lot. with a spearthower, all you need to do is flick your wrist and away the dart goes...with a great deal more force than if hand thrown.
Also...with primitive weapons, the idea IS NOT to out an out kill your prey in one shot!!! The idea is to incapacite it to the point you can get up to it to make the "kill". Forget all this modern theory of sportsmanship!!! When it comes to feeding yourself and a family, sportsmanship is completely out the window...we need meat!!!
Another thing...drive this image of a lone hiunter out of your mind when you're thinking about hunting with a spearthrower. Evidence has shown hunting in groups is the most effective means. The most effective method we are able to use is to drive game into a 'kill zone" and shoot them enmass. It's an absolutely brutal business, but it brings home the meat. I have participated in these hunts and can tell you that you can lay up enough meat to last you a year. The idea is to incapacite the game to the point you can get on it and bash it's head in to kill it.
While I'm at it here. let me tell you this...big game...namely deer in my area area, are STUPID ANIMALS!!! They can be herded and driven like catle and I cannot see why so many fiolks are so wrapped up in deer "hunting". Truth be known. my son an I used to lay up enough meat we ended up having to donate the majority of it to the local food bank so it wouldn't go to waste. Unlike many hunters in this area, we went for meat and disregarded "racks". I mean WTF??? Over??? The idea behind hunting at the subsistence level is getting food...not antlers. There are are folks that come in here from all over the country to get "racks"...antlers. Hell. if you want antlers, just walk through the woods and pick them up from the shed. My son and i are all about meat...food, and can't see the attraction folks have to antlers...Damned New Yorkers!!!
While I'm on a roll here. my son and I hunt with simple homemade wooden bows, and both of us are absolutelty mind blown with all the modern weaponry and accoutrements coming in here for the sole purpose of "bagging" as deer. Danmned!!!!!!!!!! Camouflage...cover scents...high velocity rifles...laser range finders...ha ha ha. I guess some folks are as stupid as the deer. Let me tell you what's the truth here, animals are STUPID!!!!!!!!!!! All the crap you may see on the television hunting programmes is a load of horse dump. My son and I hunt in our normal work clothes. Siince I am old and my eyesight's failing, my son is the "shooter". If we need meat, I will go out and herd the deer to him. he takes up a position and I swing around the deer to herd them into our "kill zone"'. he takes the shot and we both run the deer down...finish it off with an axe to the head. That may seem really brutal to a lot of folks, but to us, that's life.
Sorry...i have digressed. sperarthowers are actually deisgnd for close range work. based upon my experience with wild animals, we can get really close to them without spooking them. With a spear thrower, all it'd take is th flick of the wrist within 15 meters or so to get the job done. Ulike "modern" humting, the primary issue out ancesotrs faced was getting meat and "sportamanship" was out the woidow.
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