Prehistoric spear-thrower
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Prehistoric spear-thrower
Prehistoric spear-thrower. Artwork of how a spear-thrower (or atlatl) is used to throw a feathered dart. At top and centre, the dart is loaded. At bottom, it is being thrown. The angular momentum imparted means dart speeds of 150 kilometres per hour can be achieved, making this a lethal weapon in the hands of a skilled hunter. In the background is a cave painting of an animal wounded by an atlatl dart. The earliest such weapons were found at Schoningen, Germany, in the 1990s, dating to over 300, 000 years ago
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6344855
© KENNIS AND KENNIS/MSF/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Anthropological Anthropology Casting Dart Early Human Fossil Man Human Evolution Hunter Hunting Mechanism Pleistocene Pre Historic Pre History Spear Stone Age Throwing Warfare Weapon Weapons Leverage Palaeontology Throwers
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a prehistoric spear-thrower, also known as an atlatl, in action. The artwork vividly depicts the process of using this ancient weapon to launch a feathered dart with incredible force and precision. At the top and center of the image, we witness the loading of the dart onto the spear-thrower, while at the bottom, it is being forcefully hurled towards its target. The angular momentum generated by this mechanism enables astonishing speeds of up to 150 kilometers per hour for these lethal darts, making them formidable weapons in skilled hands. The historical significance of this illustration is further emphasized by a cave painting in the background depicting an animal wounded by an atlatl dart. This serves as a reminder that these early humans possessed advanced hunting techniques that allowed them to thrive in their environment. Dating back over 300,000 years ago and discovered in Schoningen, Germany during the 1990s, these prehistoric weapons provide valuable insights into our human ancestors' technological advancements during the Stone Age. They represent a crucial milestone in our understanding of early human evolution and highlight their ingenuity when it came to developing tools for survival. This detailed artwork not only captures an essential aspect of our biological history but also pays homage to those who mastered this innovative throwing mechanism – hunters who relied on their skills and knowledge to secure sustenance for their communities.
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