N American? Africa? weapon?

Tim Simmons · 26th May 2016, 03:56 PM

Yes could be. The wood handle is quite large. It will be here soon. If it s too light to be a possible weapon then it should be move from this site section. In the time being if you search the American Museum of Natural History database for all words one can associate with the item in N America and Africa it gets less certain what is what. How about a horse tail spinkler with hook tool for a sweat lodge????

Kubur · 26th May 2016, 06:04 PM

I think at a propulseur, from where I don't know...

Tim Simmons · 26th May 2016, 06:24 PM

Good thinking Batman.

should be here Tuesday.

Tim Simmons · 26th May 2016, 07:05 PM

Not trying to make a point but look at this rather basic Web site. There are possibilities listed here that could hint to an American origin , the far west, South West and basin. The mention of atlatl and battle hammer with a spike end. Though there does seem to be a slot to accept a projectile.

http://m.warpaths2peacepipes.com/nat...an-weapons.htm

Ian · 28th May 2016, 12:31 PM

Tim:

That's an interesting item. Like others have already noted, I don't recall having seen another one like it.

As a possible spear thrower, there are many cultures that have used such a device (the Australian aboriginal woomera, the atiati of the Aztecs, etc.) and the Romans used leather slings for a similar purpose. However, it does not look right for an object designed to be a spear thrower. The man-made notch in the short protruding arm is upside down compared with the usual shape for holding a spear or similar projectile, while the "V" between the short and long arm is too rounded to reliably hold a spear.

Are you sure that the hair is from a horse. Would that not be unusual for Africa?

I don't know what it is, but its design does not strike me as an efficient spear thrower.

Ian.

Tim Simmons · 28th May 2016, 01:49 PM

I do not know if it is an atlatl or not just guessing. Interesting that the seller not being a weapon collector called it a fly swat club. So the wooden part must appear even to a novice heavy enough to suggest weaponry. It should be here soon.

Pukka Bundook · 28th May 2016, 02:07 PM

Tim,

If it's any help, the Atlatl seemed to die out in N America when the bow came into use, (with some overlap of course) but the bow has been used for 2,000 years.
I think the hook part is too long and the way it is cut would weaken it as a spear -thrower, and then shaft looks thin for such a purpose as well.
The carving and wood look African still to me, and the hair looks wiry, like from a cow tail rather than horse. (horse-hair often straight)
Back -scratcher??
Of course, when you have it in hand you can judge better!

Best,
Richard.

26th May 2016, 06:04 PM	#2
Kubur Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2,145	I think at a propulseur, from where I don't know... Attached Images

26th May 2016, 03:56 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,855	Yes could be. The wood handle is quite large. It will be here soon. If it s too light to be a possible weapon then it should be move from this site section. In the time being if you search the American Museum of Natural History database for all words one can associate with the item in N America and Africa it gets less certain what is what. How about a horse tail spinkler with hook tool for a sweat lodge????

26th May 2016, 06:24 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,855	Good thinking Batman. should be here Tuesday.

26th May 2016, 07:05 PM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,855	Not trying to make a point but look at this rather basic Web site. There are possibilities listed here that could hint to an American origin , the far west, South West and basin. The mention of atlatl and battle hammer with a spike end. Though there does seem to be a slot to accept a projectile. http://m.warpaths2peacepipes.com/nat...an-weapons.htm

28th May 2016, 12:31 PM	#5
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,399	Tim: That's an interesting item. Like others have already noted, I don't recall having seen another one like it. As a possible spear thrower, there are many cultures that have used such a device (the Australian aboriginal woomera, the atiati of the Aztecs, etc.) and the Romans used leather slings for a similar purpose. However, it does not look right for an object designed to be a spear thrower. The man-made notch in the short protruding arm is upside down compared with the usual shape for holding a spear or similar projectile, while the "V" between the short and long arm is too rounded to reliably hold a spear. Are you sure that the hair is from a horse. Would that not be unusual for Africa? I don't know what it is, but its design does not strike me as an efficient spear thrower. Ian.

28th May 2016, 01:49 PM	#6
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,855	I do not know if it is an atlatl or not just guessing. Interesting that the seller not being a weapon collector called it a fly swat club. So the wooden part must appear even to a novice heavy enough to suggest weaponry. It should be here soon.

28th May 2016, 02:07 PM	#7
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	Tim, If it's any help, the Atlatl seemed to die out in N America when the bow came into use, (with some overlap of course) but the bow has been used for 2,000 years. I think the hook part is too long and the way it is cut would weaken it as a spear -thrower, and then shaft looks thin for such a purpose as well. The carving and wood look African still to me, and the hair looks wiry, like from a cow tail rather than horse. (horse-hair often straight) Back -scratcher?? Of course, when you have it in hand you can judge better! Best, Richard.