Atlatl
At a glance:
- Series: American Indians Ready Reference
- Categories: Military History, Technology, Inventions, Social Science
- Subcategories: Native Americans, American Indians
- Curriculum: American Indian History
- Geographical Location: Mexico, United States
Article abstract: The atlatl was an ancient and widespread hunting and warfare weapon throughout the Americas
The term “atlatl,” applied to many versions of the implement, is derived from Nahuatl, the language spoken by the Aztecs of sixteenth century central Mexico. Synonymous terms include spear thrower and dart thrower. Originating from Old World prototypes and brought to the New World by the earliest paleolithic inhabitants, it was gradually replaced by the bow and arrow as the preferred hunting weapon throughout the Americas by 1100 c.e., except in...
[The entire page is 337 words long]
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