The spear-thrower in Peru

Abstract

Archaeological study on the spear-thrower or atlatl in ancient Peru. Uhle describes findings of these instruments in Moche, Ancón, and Nievería, classifying them into two types according to the morphology of the handle and the hook. He affirms that the spear-thrower is a more primitive weapon than the bow and that was commonly used in ancient cultural periods (Nazca, Tiahuanaco), decreasing its use later. He analyzes iconographic representations in ceramics and the Gate of the Sun. Furthermore, he establishes ethnographic comparisons with Amazonian tribes and Eskimos, suggesting an ancient Pan-American cultural or racial unity.