Information needed Peru bolas weapon

Ferguson · 6th May 2016, 02:10 AM

I don't think it is a stone head. Looks like iron or steel. I think I see grinder marks on the V-shaped cut outs. Could be wrong though.

Steve

Robert · 6th May 2016, 06:29 AM

Maybe these might help.

RobertGuy · 6th May 2016, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferguson

I don't think it is a stone head.
Steve

Time for a magnet test?

Tim Simmons · 6th May 2016, 12:34 PM

It is on it's way but will take time. I have started to find a little more on bolas of this type. The single weight version is Bola Perdida and is said to be mainly used against humans. Some sites suggest that stone {if it is stone? one would hope a seller could tell the difference} bola tend to be old. There is the possibility that as mine is a complicated shape rather than a simple ball it might be old and have served more than one users life?

This link to the Pitt-Rivers Oxford UK is the only reference to its use as a weapon of war I have found so far.

http://web.prm.ox.ac.uk/rpr/index.ph...9455vol2p3982/

Which introduces me to a new area of interest, early colonial ethinc conflict in South America.

The Thomas Falkner mentioned in the Pitt-Rivers link was a Jesuit missionary in Argentina and surrounding countries not just a traveler. 1707-1784.

More pics any help??

It is a matter of skill. Pretty girls and boots.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AldeVzGBh1Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqU6dubeUng

Tim Simmons · 17th May 2016, 10:27 AM

At last here. Without doubt it is a weapon against people. It is not antique these are still used today in the very rural mountain areas. There is some wear on the handle loop. Some steel wire has been used in the construction. It is the length of my arm from the finger tips to arm socket. I am surprised how easy it is to swing. I have not done any fancy swings for fear of fracturing my skull.

Nick Wardigo · 17th May 2016, 04:34 PM

It's a bit larger than I expected (there wasn't anything to give me a sense of scale in the other photos). Congratulations again on finding a very nice piece.

Now that it's in hand, is the head made of stone or iron? Can you tell if there's a hole running through the head, hidden under the leather covering?

I understand your conviction that the overall construction is "not antique," probably based on the steel wire and condition of the leather. But, I'm curious if you think the head might be recycled from a much older weapon.

Tim Simmons · 17th May 2016, 05:16 PM

Solid stone no hole 481g or 1lb 1oz. So swinging fast the force would be considerable. I have weapons with wire on them from the turn of the 19th - 20th century. Also old hide and leather in very good condition so there might be some age . The Peruvian Andes high up the environment is cold and dry I believe, which would be good conditions for organic materials, as opposed to wet and warm.

6th May 2016, 06:29 AM	#2
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Maybe these might help. Attached Images

6th May 2016, 12:34 PM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,925	It is on it's way but will take time. I have started to find a little more on bolas of this type. The single weight version is Bola Perdida and is said to be mainly used against humans. Some sites suggest that stone {if it is stone? one would hope a seller could tell the difference} bola tend to be old. There is the possibility that as mine is a complicated shape rather than a simple ball it might be old and have served more than one users life? This link to the Pitt-Rivers Oxford UK is the only reference to its use as a weapon of war I have found so far. http://web.prm.ox.ac.uk/rpr/index.ph...9455vol2p3982/ Which introduces me to a new area of interest, early colonial ethinc conflict in South America. The Thomas Falkner mentioned in the Pitt-Rivers link was a Jesuit missionary in Argentina and surrounding countries not just a traveler. 1707-1784. More pics any help?? It is a matter of skill. Pretty girls and boots. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AldeVzGBh1Q https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqU6dubeUng Attached Images Last edited by Tim Simmons; 6th May 2016 at 03:26 PM.

17th May 2016, 10:27 AM	#5
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,925	At last here. Without doubt it is a weapon against people. It is not antique these are still used today in the very rural mountain areas. There is some wear on the handle loop. Some steel wire has been used in the construction. It is the length of my arm from the finger tips to arm socket. I am surprised how easy it is to swing. I have not done any fancy swings for fear of fracturing my skull. Attached Images

6th May 2016, 02:10 AM	#1
Ferguson Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kernersville, NC, USA Posts: 793	I don't think it is a stone head. Looks like iron or steel. I think I see grinder marks on the V-shaped cut outs. Could be wrong though. Steve

17th May 2016, 04:34 PM	#6
Nick Wardigo Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA Posts: 54	It's a bit larger than I expected (there wasn't anything to give me a sense of scale in the other photos). Congratulations again on finding a very nice piece. Now that it's in hand, is the head made of stone or iron? Can you tell if there's a hole running through the head, hidden under the leather covering? I understand your conviction that the overall construction is "not antique," probably based on the steel wire and condition of the leather. But, I'm curious if you think the head might be recycled from a much older weapon.

17th May 2016, 05:16 PM	#7
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,925	Solid stone no hole 481g or 1lb 1oz. So swinging fast the force would be considerable. I have weapons with wire on them from the turn of the 19th - 20th century. Also old hide and leather in very good condition so there might be some age . The Peruvian Andes high up the environment is cold and dry I believe, which would be good conditions for organic materials, as opposed to wet and warm.