I occasionally visit and explore PrimitiiviNet*, an interesting website about archaeology and anthropology news, articles, books, and links to other related sites. It is written in a slightly disconcerting (to non-Finns) mix of English and Finnish by a Finn, Pekka Vaartela. What is unusual about the author, to me, is his personal interest in ancient spear throwers called Atlatl in Aztec or Woomera in Australia, having been introduced to it by an article “Atlatl – The Stone Age Kalashnikov” in New Scientist*. Have a look at this photo of Vaartela* practising spear throwing in this Finnish article. There’s even a World Atlatl Association of members who study the weapon’s mechanics, replicate them and practise using them.

*expired links have been removed

Have a chuckle over the image below, from his site (creator unknown).