The Atlatl is an ancient weapon, which was developed as a mix between the spear and the bow and arrow. The word “Atlatl” is pronounced one of two ways. Some say “atal-atal” and others pronounce it “At-latal.” This weapon is a spear thrower and is arguably one of the first mechanized human inventions. In the Americas, the Aztecs were still using atlatls when the Spanish arrived.
An atlatl is simply a stick with a handle on one end and a small hook on the other. A light-weight spear or “Dart” is set in or on the hook and the stick is used in a flipping motion to propel the dart. An atlatl dart can travel further and more accurate than a hand-held spear. Atlatls can be ornate, equipped with ivory, bone or tooth hooks. Some have stone points and are designed for taking down large game. Others are small and lightweight for sticking fish. Some are made from solid wood and others are made from bamboo or river cane. The variations are endless, but atlatls can also be incredibly simple.
Making a simple atlatl out of bamboo requires less than ten small cuts. The atlatl in the following pictures was made for my son in about ten minutes.
Here is how to make a simple atlatl from river cane.
I use a small folding saw and a pocketknife to make my cuts.
Your throwing platform (stick with a handle and hook) should be approximately the length from the tip of your middle finger to the inside of your elbow. Measure off that length and then cut the excess between the nodes as seen below.
The first cut in your X should be here.
The second cut is opposite the first, completing the X.
Now, make your third cut, leaving the beginning of the V-shaped hook on the platform.
Next, make your fourth cut, which gives you a slot to set your dart in.
The fifth cut is made in the butt of the dart to allow it to seat and grip better.
The sixth cut is the tip of the dart and is made by making a slice about two feet taller than your head. This length will be a good length to start with.
Throwing your atlatl should come very natural to you. First, hold your platform with your dominant hand as you would a hammer. Then, place the butt of the dart on the hook with your other hand and pinch it with the dominant hand’s fingers. Point at your target with our free hand and flip your dart. With a few flips of your dart, you’ll find balance and accuracy improve. Remember, it’s all in the wrist.
The dart above can be used for more than just practice. It serves well for sticking fish if you pack sand or mud into the hollow tip. This adds a bit of weight, which improves accuracy and it also allows the dart tip to slip into the water instead of filling with water and slowing down.
So, with a stick of bamboo or cane and less than ten cuts, you can make a simple atlatl.