How does a spear thrower work?

Asked by: Jennifer Bradley

The spearthrower is best thought of as a class 1 lever, meaning that force is applied to one end to move an object at the other end, with the fulcrum in between. For an atlatl, force is applied by the hand to the short arm of the lever, with the wrist as the fulcrum, to move the dart at the long end of the lever.

How does a spear thrower make work easier?

The spear-thrower is a low-mass, fast-moving extension of the throwing arm, increasing the length of the lever. This extra length allows the thrower to impart force to the dart over a longer distance, thus imparting more energy and higher speeds.

How is a spear thrown?

The spear must move from behind your head to the release point in a straight line. Keep the spear’s shaft close to your body at all times during the throw. Twist forward with your hips and launch the spear forward at the same time. You should feel your throwing shoulder drop and your opposite hand go out behind you.

What are the advantages of using a spear thrower?

It has long been asserted that the main advantage gained from using a spear thrower was the ability to launch the spear a greater distance, achieved by the leverage effect due to the effective lengthening of the arm.

How do Atlatls work?

Tool there are two components to the atlatl the atlatl itself and he starts at the end of this start is a little dimple or a little divot. And that's why there's a spur at this end.

How fast can a human throw a spear?

Evolutionary history



The spear-thrower is a development of the Upper Paleolithic, certainly in use by the Solutrean (c. 20,000 years ago). Human athletes can achieve throwing speeds close to 145 km/h (90 mph), far in excess of the maximal speed attainable by chimpanzees, at about 30 km/h (20 mph).

How does an Aboriginal spear work?

In its simplest form a traditionally produced spear is a weapon consisting of a pointed tip and a shaft made of wood. The tip of a spear is produced by sharpening the utility end of the shaft, or attaching a point made of stone, wood or bone, with the aid of a resin adhesive.

How far can a human throw a spear?

But many researchers have argued that such weapons were too heavy and clunky to be thrown quickly or accurately, and could only be thrust into prey from close range. “The general consensus has been that they were limited to ranges of 10 meters,” or about 32 feet, Milks says.

How did humans hunt with spears?

Archaeologists have long debated when early humans began hurling stone-tipped spears and darts at large prey. By throwing a spear, instead of thrusting it, humans could hunt buffalo and other dangerous game from a safe distance, with less risk of a goring or mauling.

How are spear-throwers made?

Spear Thrower/Woomera



The spear thrower is usually made from mulga wood and has a multi-function purpose. It is however primarily designed to launch a spear. The thrower grips the end covered with spinifex resin and places the end of the spear into the small peg on the end of the woomera.

How far can a person throw an atlatl?

An atlatl dart can be thrown with the same penetrating power as an arrow shot from a 50-pound-draw longbow. Hunting and target range is typically 10 to 30 yards, but the world-record throw is over 848 feet.

How powerful is an atlatl?

The atlatl is simply a small spear-throwing device that provides leverage to throw an approximately 5-foot-long dart as fast as 80 or 90 miles per hour. The dart is pushed by the atlatl, which acts as a lever. As such, the motion of the human arm is amplified and that amplification results in a deadly projectile.

How far can an Aboriginal throw a spear?

120 feet

A Woomera is an aboriginal tool that enables a user to throw a spear further and faster. A human can throw a spear 120 feet or 35 meters using a spear thrower and consistently hit a small kangaroo sized target.

How do you use an Aboriginal spear-thrower?

Its most important use was to enable whoever carried it to throw a spear further than could be done by human hand alone. A spike at the end of the thrower held the spear in place behind the thrower’s head thus extending their reach, just like the gadget that dog walkers use when they throw a ball for their dog.

What is spear-thrower made of?

Usually constructed of wood, bamboo, bone, or antler, the spear-thrower performs the function of an extra joint in the arm. The spear lies along the spear-thrower, with its butt resting against a projecting peg or in the slight socket made by the septum of the node (in the case of bamboo devices).