A spear thrower: a wooden stick with a thong or perpendicularly protruding hook on the rear end that grips a grove or socket on the butt of its accompanying spear (or dart); intended to steady the spear immediately prior to throwing, to increase its potential range when thrown, and to increase its force of penetration of the target
An atlatl (from Nahuatl atlatl ; in English pronounced or ) or spear-thrower is a tool that uses leverage to achieve greater velocity in spear-throwing, and includes a bearing surface which allows the user to transfer energy derived from muscular energy during the throw. It consists of a shaft with a handle on one end and a spur or cup on the other, against which the butt of the spear rests. The spear is thrown by the action of the upper arm and wrist in conjunction with a shift of balance of the body. An atlatl can readily cast a well made dart to ranges greater than 100 meters
A spear thrower; a wooden stick fitted with a thong or socket to steady the butt of a spear or dart and extend the arc of travel so it may reach farther