Before the Bow and Arrow: Atlatl Workshop @ Institute for American Indian Studies

When people think of Native American hunting tools, bows, and arrows are among the first things that spring to mind, and with good reason.  Just about every Native American community had some form of a bow and arrow. 

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.

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.