dunbo the ice age spearthrower (atlatl)

[jerv]

here is a replica of the mammoth ice age spearthrower from monsatruc. like the original it was made form reindeer antler. I found a nice piece of character birch (another Ice age species) and attached it with hide glue and reinderr backstrap sinew.

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here is a comparison shot with a resin cast of the original. it took about 48 overall and was done with a knife and hand carving tools

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an action shot. I'll give it a go at today's ISAC competition but it feels like it might be a good one.

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[jon r]

Thats a really nice Atl-atl you have made! I think its amazing that you have replicated something from the ice age so acurately! Great work! Our stone age ancestors would be proud of you!

 

[jerv]

thanks!
It throws pretty well but I think I made it a bit on the long side. It has plenty of whoomff and woould probably be good for hunting. I made a film of it which os on you tube.
it's a real kick making these things.

video of it in use
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJEZqH8UU7c

 

[jon r]

great video! It looks pretty acurate, or is that just your high skill? Does the antler give it a little weight on the end which gives more power?

Great darts too! wow! What feathers do you have on those babies? Excellent stuff mate!

Jon

 

[jerv]

It's pretty accurate but I do practice quite alot. The antler does add a bit of weight to the tip which would I suppose increase the power. Reindeer antler is suprisingly light and the mammoth is quite thin.
However the thrower was definatley overpowering some of the darts which might call for a longer/stiffer darts or a shorter thrower.
I use turkey feathers either from slaughtered turkeys or from archery suppliers.
Niall

 

[torjusg]

Lovely!

I like what you have done with the antler.