Atlatl (spearthrower) Handle650–900 CE

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Title: Atlatl (spearthrower) Handle
Culture: Wari
Place Made
Date Made: 650–900 CE
Medium: Bone
Dimensions: 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 x 1 1/2 in. (8.89 x 6.35 x 3.81 cm)
Credit Line: Purchased with funds provided by Camilla Chandler Frost
Accession Number: M.2010.115.677
Classification: Organic Materials
Collecting Area: Art of the Ancient Americas
Curatorial Notes: This decorative bone figurine was once attached to the shaft of an atlatl (the Nahua word for spear-thrower): a long-range weapon that allowed human hunters or warriors to hurl a projectile at close to 100 miles per hour and over a distance of 850 feet. Wari individuals exploited this technology in both military combat and big-game hunting. Our atlatl likely represents a ruler or supernatural being in elaborate regalia, augmented with real shell and precious stone inlays. He holds a serpent staff, and there is a trophy head at his side.

Carved handles like this not only conveyed the owner’s status and skill by personalizing weaponry, they reinforced claims to sartorial status items, such as geometrically patterned four-cornered hats.

2025

Not on view

No image

Title: Atlatl (spearthrower) Handle
Culture: Wari
Place Made
Date Made: 650–900 CE
Medium: Bone
Dimensions: 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 x 1 1/2 in. (8.89 x 6.35 x 3.81 cm)
Credit Line: Purchased with funds provided by Camilla Chandler Frost
Accession Number: M.2010.115.677
Classification: Organic Materials
Collecting Area: Art of the Ancient Americas
Curatorial Notes: This decorative bone figurine was once attached to the shaft of an atlatl (the Nahua word for spear-thrower): a long-range weapon that allowed human hunters or warriors to hurl a projectile at close to 100 miles per hour and over a distance of 850 feet. Wari individuals exploited this technology in both military combat and big-game hunting. Our atlatl likely represents a ruler or supernatural being in elaborate regalia, augmented with real shell and precious stone inlays. He holds a serpent staff, and there is a trophy head at his side.

Carved handles like this not only conveyed the owner’s status and skill by personalizing weaponry, they reinforced claims to sartorial status items, such as geometrically patterned four-cornered hats.

2025