The atlatl was invented by Homo sapiens during the Upper Paleolithic period, about 21,000 to 17,000 years ago. The earliest secure data concerning atlatls has come from several caves in France dating to the Upper Paleolithic. The very earliest atlatl found to date is a simple antler hook dated to the Solutrean period (about 17,500 years ago), recovered from the site of Combe Sauniere.
More details on atlatl history and function can be found in the Raging Cow article on atlatl throwing contests.
Sources
Butler, B. R. 1977 Atlatl functions, fancy, flex, and fun. A reply to Howard. Plains Anthropologist 22(76):161-162.
Butler, B. R. 1980 Penetrating elephant hide with wood atlatl darts. Plains Anthropologist 25(90):353-356.
Butler, William B. 1975 The atlatl: The physics of function and performance. Plains Anthropologist 20(68):105-110.
Howard, Calvin D. 1976 Atlatl function: A reply to Butler. Plains Anthropologist 21(74):313-314.
Kennedy, Kenneth A. R. 2004 Slings and arrows of predaceous fortune: Asian evidence of prehistoric spear use. Evolutionary Anthropology 13(4):127-131.
Patterson, Leland W. 1977 Atlatl Function: Comments on Howard's Views. Plains Anthropologist 22(76):159-160.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
