Any Evidence of Sling Use in ancient NA?

[Shannon Graham]

Has anyone run across any evidence of ancient Americans using a sling as a weapon or means to put food on the table?

In Texas we find 'waco sinkers' which are speculated to be net/throw weights for harvesting water fowl, fish, and small land animals. Larger grooved stones are thought to be 'bola stones'. I'm curious if there's any evidence of ancient Americans utilizing the sling. What are it's origins and migration path into North America? The lance, atlatl, and bow made it over...did the sling?

Shannon

[Metacom]

Great question Shannon. Bolas were common in western Alaska - the Bering Sea area. Three or more ivory weights attached with sinew lines. I have not run across any sling references however. It certainly is possible though any organic parts would be long gone.

[Jay R]

Shannon, Good question! The only places one would find the evidence is in dry caves. I have never heard of any being found, but that doesn't mean one isn't laying in a cave somewhere..

[Aboman]

That is a good question, but there wouldn't be much left (in most locales) but the round rocks that were ammo. I suppose one may be found in a cave or a wet site, one day. However, if one is ever found, watch out, because every round rock ever found anywhere will then become "Ancient Sling ammo" for sale on eBay!

[uniface]

For what it's worth, the old National Geographic article on Folsom (ca. 1960s) included a picture of bolo stones and an illustration of them hunting Whooping Cranes with them, so there must have been something like them found in that context.

[Shannon Graham]

Thanks for the responses. I did find this on Wikipedia.org...

"The sling was known throughout the Americas.[12]

In the ancient Andean civilizations such as Inca Empire slings were made from Llama wool. These slings typically have a cradle that is long and thin and features a relatively long slit. Andean slings were constructed from contrasting colours of wool; complex braids and fine workmanship result in beautiful patterns. Ceremonial slings were also made; these were large, non-functional and generally lacked a slit. To this day, ceremonial slings are used in parts of the Andes as accessories in dances and in mock battles. They are also used by llama herders; the animals will move away from the thump of a stone. The stones are not slung to hit the animals, but to persuade them to move in the desired direction.

The sling was used for hunting and warfare. One notable use was in Incan resistance against the conquistadors. These slings were apparently very powerful; in 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus, historian Charles C. Mann quoted a conquistador, who said that an Incan sling "could break a sword in two pieces" and "kill a horse".[13] Some slings could hurl massive stones and its span could be as much as 86 inches and could weigh an impressive 14.4 ounces.[14]"

12 - Paul Campbell. "The Chumash Sling". ABOtech.com. http://www.abotech.com/Articles/Campbell02.htm.
13 - Mann, pg. 84.
14 - Slings from Peru and Bolivia

[uniface]

Slinging.org - Welcome to Slinging.org!

[Shannon Graham]

Thanks. That is a very well done and informative site. I like it.

Shannon

[rmartin]

Thanks for sharing that site Uniface. I had no idea-a forum with pictures even. I got to try this!