Shepherd Sling Shot - experimental anthropology

This slingshot shot took a lot of practice, but she had fun and became very consistent




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Ask anthropologist. What is a slingshot?


A shepherd’s sling is a simple, ancient weapon used to hurl stones (or lead weights in the Roman Empire) over long distances.

Essentially, two cords are attached to a pouch, spun overhead, and released at one end to send the projectile flying.

Historically, slings were not just warfare tools but also served shepherds as protective devices against predators threatening their flocks.

This low-tech solution highlights human ingenuity in leveraging basic physics—maximizing force and precision with minimal resources.

In some cultures, the sling remains in use today, showcasing its enduring relevance and simplicity. The evidence suggests its use dates back to at least 10,000 years ago.

Slings, after stones and spears, are considered among the oldest projectile weapons. They are represented in artifacts from ancient cultures worldwide, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, and South America.

They appear in archaeological records from the Neolithic era and have been mentioned in various historical texts, including the Bible, where the most famous story is that of David and Goliath.

Is slingshot useful today?

The sling is small and lightweight, so it fits in any pocket. Rounded stones can be found on the banks of almost any river. When proficient, it can be a survival hunting tool for small game such as rabbits, partridge, etc., and possibly a defensive tool against larger animals.


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My favorite quotations..


“A man should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.”  by Robert A. Heinlein

"We are but habits and memories we chose to carry along." ~ Uki D. Lucas


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