Bolas Weight

Item number Sf633 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Dark red stone roughly ellipsoid in shape with a wide, transverse groove. One end is more pointed but terminates in a small flat circle. The surface is polished.

History Of Use

Probably a single weight from a 'bolas', a hurling weapon used in warfare and hunting. An Incan 'bolas' consisted of two to five weights of stone copper or wood connected by cords fastened together in the middle. It was used at relatively close range to entangle the feet. The weights were usually wrapped in rawhide and the cords were fastened to this. The bolas were a favoured weapon in the highlands, particularly during Incan times, although it was probably used earlier as well.