THE ART OF THE ATLATL;

YOU CAN LEARN TO DO THIS!!!

 

Are you interested in a less advanced experience?  We can help!!!  We prefer to teach adults who are interested in anthropology.  Many children in the third grade and below do not seem to have the manual dexterity to throw with the atlatl.  But those kids sure love to watch 100-yard long shots.  With proper instruction, most fourth grade children can learn to throw with an atlatl in about 15 minutes (movie stars take much longer).  It’s like that Geicko commercial, “so easy even a caveman could do it.”  Athletic skills from many sports can be incorporated into the art of the atlatl.  Many fields of science are involved in the art of the atlatl. 

This is a fun way to learn.  We can teach you!!!  No shirt, no shoes, no problem.  However, we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.  The Austin Texas Lithic Arts and Technology League is centered in Austin Texas.  But we are willing to travel depending on the circumstances.  Filmmakers interested in accurately depicting stone-age cultures will benefit from our involvement.  Educators are a large part of the customer base.

ATLATL curriculum for groups

Introduction:

     It’s in your genes!

 

Demonstration

     Hurl spears/darts over 100 yards at a speed of approximately 80 mph.

 

Similarities with other sports

 

Equipment,

  • Modern
  • Traditional

 

Making an atlatl!

 

Making a dart!

  • “Straight as an arrow”
  • Fletching
  • Flint Knapping
  • Cheap and easy ways

 

Physics;

  • 3 classes of levers,
  • Fulcrum point. 
  • Opposing theories about bannerstones
  • Opposing theories about flex and the atlatl
  • World record distance throw; altered atlatl

 

The bow and the atlatl;

  • Compare and contrast 
  • Timeframes of use

 

History; origins.

  • 2 continents where conclusive evidence of atlatl use has not been found.
  • 3 Stone ages
  • Ice age

 

Geography; places the traditional atlatl has been used recently:

  • Alaska
  • Mexico
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Australia

 

Contemporary atlatl use

 

Future

 

Technique; Target throwing

 

Technique; Practical throwing and hunting with the atlatl

  • Throwing several rounds in a few seconds
  • Throwing/reloading on the move
  • The golf cart chariot throw
  • the pickup truck throw
  • The atlatl and the bicycle; they do not mix!!!
  • Throwing around obstacles
  • Moving targets
  • The atlatl and the dog; two great hunting tools that go great together!
  • Surviving the hunt (a lesson on safety)

 

Physical activity; students throw (emphasis on safety)

 

Conclusion;

  • Mental concentration, self-improvement

 

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