Mammoths. Saber-toothed cats. Short-faced bears. Massive beavers. Giant ground sloths that stood taller than the average man. All of these animals existed (and some were hunted) by native Americans at the time of the last Ice Age, where the atlatl (pronounced aht-LAH-tul)  reigned supreme as the weapon of choice not just in the Americas, but around the globe. The atlatl, the Aztec name for a spear-thrower, slung spears from 4 to 6 feet long at speeds and strengths that would pierce the metal armor of the Spanish conquistadors as well as the hide of the toughest mammal. They fell out of favor after the invention of the bow and arrow, but they doesn’t mean they aren’t effective weapons today.

Come along as we briefly discuss the history of this ancient tool, and then learn how to use them first hand!

Registration is required, limited spaces is available.

Contact Vinny Curtis at (814) 674-1000x105 or vicurtis@pa.gov