Inuit Propeller - Greenland

Wooden atlatl spear thrower with a fuller. It has white bone elements riveted to both ends. The distal piece has a bone tenon, used to hold the rear of the projectile (like an assegai) before throwing. The word atlatl is of Aztec origin and is now used to refer to a number of such instruments that essentially serve as an extension of the user's arm, increasing the speed, force, and range of their projectile. Among the Eskimo peoples, a throwing board of this type is said to have been used by a sea otter hunter in his kayak. Circa 1920, 40 cm.