Simple Atlatl

by Bob Gillis

To throw your dart using the atlatl, insert the hollowed out end of the dart (near the fletching) onto the tip of the atlatl. Hold the atlatl in the palm of your hand and the dart with your fingertips.

Three different styles of atlatls.

Both ends of the atlatl are made from a split willow. Note carved point that fits into the hollow end of the dart, on the above, left hand photo. The above, right hand photo is the handle in which the thumb and fingers are inserted into the leather loops.

Split feathers are lashed to one end of the dart. The two feathers are from the same wing of a bird. The end tip is hollowed out.

For more information on the atlatl, look at the Jiffy Fletching , Atlatl Flexibility Analysis via Computer Modeling, and Dick's Slide Show and Talk.

E-mail your comments to "Bob Gillis" at bob@shelter-systems.com

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