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An atlatl (from Nahuatl atlatl [ˈ'aʔtɬatɬ]; in English pronounced [ˈɑːtˌlɑːtɫ̩] or [ɑːtˈlɑːtɫ̩]) is a tool that uses leverage to achieve greater velocity in throwing darts, and includes a bearing surface which allows the user to transfer energy derived from muscular energy during the throw. It consists of a shaft with a handle on one end and a spur or cup on the other, against which the butt of the spear rests. The spear is thrown by the action of the upper arm and wrist in conjunction with a shift of balance of the body. An atlatl can readily cast a well made dart to ranges greater than 100 meters.

Atlatl designs may include improvements such as thong loops to fit the fingers, the use of flexible shafts, stone balance weights and thinner, highly flexible darts for added power and range. Darts resemble large arrows or thin spears and are typically from 4 to 9 feet in length and 3/8” to 5/8” in diameter.

Another important improvement to the atlatl's design was the introduction of a small weight (between 60 and 80 grams) strapped to its midsection. Some atlatlists maintain that stone weights add mass to the shaft of the device, causing resistance to acceleration when swung, which results in a more forceful and accurate launch of the dart. Other atlatlists claim that atlatl weights add only stability to a cast which results in greater accuracy.

Based on previous work done by William S. Webb, William R. Perkins claims that atlatl weights, commonly called "Bannerstones," are artifacts characterized by a centered hole in a symmetrically shaped carved or ground stone, shaped wide and flat with a drilled hole a little like a large wing nut, are a rather ingenious improvement to the design that created a silencing effect when swung, lowering the frequency of the telltale "zip" of an atlatl in use to a more subtle "woof" sound that did not travel as far and was less likely to alert prey or other humans. Robert Berg’s theory is that the bannerstone was carried by hunters as a spindle weight to produce string from natural fibers gathered while hunting, for the purpose of tying on fletching and hafting stone or bone points.

Ancient Aztec weapons were among the greatest of the Aztec accomplishments. The atlatl, in particular, was an important development used extensively in Aztec warfare. These Aztec weapons, which were also known as the “spear thrower,” were the primary weapons used by Aztec warriors during warfare. The atlatl helped the Aztec warriors gain leverage in order to achieve greater velocity when throwing spears. This made the spear far more deadly than when thrown with arm power alone. These Aztec weapons were made with a shaft and a hook. The butt of the spear rested within the shaft. When the spear was thrown using the atlatl, it was capable of going more than 100 meters.

 Aztec warriors continued to improve upon the atlatl through the years. These amazing Aztec weapons became so powerful, in fact, the Spanish conquistadors feared the Aztec atlatl more than any other weapon. This was with good cause, as the atlatl was capable of easily penetrating the Spanish metal armor. The weapon was so effective that it often passed completely through the conquistador’s body. In addition to using a wide variety of specialized Aztec weapons, large Aztec war shields helped prevent the warriors from being harmed by the enemy.

Rafael Larco Hoyle Collection

Cleveland Museum of Art