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How did a spear-thrower increase the range of a spear?
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Paleolithic Period
The Venus of Willendorf, a Upper Paleolithic limestone figurine originally colored with red ochre, 30,000–25,000 bce, found at Willendorf, Lower Austria; in the Natural History Museum, Vienna.
The spear-thrower—also known as an atlatl—increases the range and effectiveness of a spear by functioning as an extension of the human arm.12
By acting as an extra joint, the device effectively increases the radius of the thrower's swing. This mechanical advantage allows the user to move the projectile at a higher velocity, which significantly increases the kinetic energy delivered to the spear upon release. Because the spear-thrower provides this added force, it enables the hunter to strike targets with greater power and from a greater distance than would be possible using the arm alone.12