Spearthrower

Hunting tool

Mas d’Azil type, Ariège

Magdalenian
21 000 to 14 000 years

Commentary : 

A spearthrower, or atlatl, is composed of a hook made from reindeer antler and a wooden handle.

The set works as a lever arm, increasing the precision and speed of projected spears.

This tool is thus highly adapted to hunting in the open environments, typical of periglacial landscapes, during the Upper Palaeolithic.

During the Magdalenian, spearthrowers are decorated with animal compositions, reflecting the intention of hunters to personalize their weapons.

Beyond its primary use in hunting, this highly decorated object has gradually acquired other symbolic, or ritual functions overtime.