First Atlatl

I started making my first Atlatl recently. For those of you who don't know, an atlatl is a spear thrower. It it basically a lever that allows you to throw farther (and probably more accurately) than with just your arm. It is the precursor to the bow. Coincidentally, I am making it out of one arm of a bow I broke during tillering.

Below is the what I started with. It is half of a bow including the handle at the top of the picture. Looking at the bend below the handle, you begin to see why this bow broke.


I referred to a few websites and texts I have to get an idea of the approximate dimensions of an average atlatl. This one is 23 inches long. Here it is after cutting it to size and some basic shaping.


I carved in a groove and spur with woodworking tools. This is where the end of the spear will be inserted. The spear end will be hollowed out to accept the spur.


Depending on the weight of the spear(s) I make, I may or may not add a weight to the atlatl. From reading, I found that it is good for the atlatl to weigh a similar amount as the spear. If it is too light or heavy in comparison, accuracy and distance suffer. Since I don't have any spears yet, I am not going to commit to a certain weight. Below is an example of how a weight might be added. Of course I will attach it with something a little nicer looking when I have it all figured out.


As with many survival arts, you can make a quickie version. Just pick up a stick that has a branch at the end for the spur. From reading, it sounds like preparing a spear is the real art form. Length, weight and spine (flexibility) are all important. I imagine when the sap is down in winter is the best time to harvest. I may have to make a visit to the old viburnum patch assuming good arrow shaft shrubs also make good spear shafts.

Antler atlatl from New York Museum of Natural History. Picture taken by my brother.