Through the eons of prehistory, primitive peoples from all over the world developed hundreds of unique weapons for hunting game. Among all the technologies invented the atlatl and dart was the first true weapons system, consisting of both a projectile and a launching device. The atlatl, essentially a spear-thrower, was developed in Europe more than 30,000 years ago, and in North America about 12,000 years ago. By comparison, the bow and arrow first appeared here only 2,000 years ago.
Today there is a resurging interest in atlatls for sport and hunting.
There is even a World Atlatl Association with national and international competitions. Perkins has an engineering background. He has devoted his life and skills to uncovering the secrets of the atlatl, studying why mathematically it works so well, and theorizing how it evolved over the years to become more efficient. He manufactures these ancient weapons for sale at his home. The spur is a point that fits into a cavity at the back of a four to six foot long dart.