I believe that you are both correct in your views on this piece and that it could have possibly been meant to be used as both a mace and as a sling. The grip area at the end of the cord is not permanently formed into looped so it could be easily wrapped around the hand when being swung as a mace or after being swung around in a circular motion could be let slip to be thrown in the same manner as a bolo. JMHO
