Spear-Holder (Atlatle)

Item number E20771-0 from the National Museum of Natural History.

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Notes

FROM CARD: "ILLUS. IN USNM AR 1888; PL. 27, FIG. 127A,B; P. 286. 4/18/67:LOANED TO VANCOUVER ART GALL. 12/13/67:RETURNED BY VANCOUVER. LOAN: CROSSROADS SEP 22 1988. ILLUS.: CROSSROADS OF CONTINENTS CATALOGUE; FIG.388, P.282. LOAN RETURNED: JAN 21 1993." Crossroads of Continents catalogue identifies: Spear Thrower, Tlingit. "The very few Tlingit spear throwers, or throwing boards, that survive are all carved with figures that resemble those on shaman's rattles and amulets. Although completely functional, they are poorly shaped for efficient use ... compared to Pacific Eskimo throwing boards .... It is possible that they were all shamans' instruments, weapons to be used in war with the spirits. Whichever is the case, they are often beautifully carved. A long-beaked, crested bird (a kingfisher or meganser) bites an asymmetrically rendered sea creature on the shaft of this board. The legs, hands, and face of a man, with closed eyes, emerge from recesses in the grip. Although collected in the late 19th century, its early style, heavy wear and patination indicate a much earlier origin."Florence Sheakley, elder, made the following comments during the Tlingit Recovering Voices Community Research Visit, March 13-March 24, 2017. The design on this object is a Spirit Face.