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
then 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
ancient 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
the atlatl before making their own.
The fun really begins with learning how to
use your newly made atlatl and seeing how much farther your dart goes.
The atlatl session ends with a friendly atlatl throwing competition.
If you become an atlatl fan, you just 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. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by
an adult. To reserve your spot 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.
In time, an atlatl weight was added to the spear thrower as
a counter-balance. Weights became more stylized and ornate using fine stone
like banded slate to make each piece a unique work of art.
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| Birdstone weight for an atlatl |
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 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.
