Elk Expo, Benezette, July 25th – July 26th 2026. JCHC & partner North Fork Ch. 29 of the Society for PA Archaeology once again hosted the ever-popular Atlatl Throw at the request of the Elk Country Alliance. The Chapter also had a western PA Native American artifact display on hand and raffled off an atlatl.
The atlatl is a Paleo-Indian spear-throwing device that uses a handheld wooden shaft with a hook on the end and leverage to propel a large projectile.
The shaft is typically 1.5 to 2 feet long with a spur or hook on the end to hold a long, flexible projectile (often 5 to 8 feet long). The user holds the handle and whips the tool forward; the extended leverage acts as an extra joint in the human arm, launching the projectile at high speeds.
Invented tens of thousands of years ago during the Upper Paleolithic/Stone Age, the technology spread globally and was used across Europe, Asia, Australia and North and South America. The word “atlatl” comes from the Aztec language (Nahuatl).
Tots to Middle School to Teens to Adults can try their hand at this popular event for free, with experts on hand to show you how it’s done. Kids and adults alike love the atlatl throw! If you missed it this year, we’ll be back next year!
