Timor slingshot?

Bill M · 5th January 2007, 11:03 AM

I really like the carving that "primitive" people put into their weapons and everyday artifacts. Here is a slingsot / catapult purportedly from the Indonesian island of Timor.

I do not know the age, but it is from an old collection and has wonderful patina.

I like the representations of the male (picture #2) and the female (picture #3) on the sides of the handle. Balance of male and female supporting the piece. Symbolism depicting male and female was very important to the animistic / pagan societies. This went far deeper than mere fertility.

Tantra also means overcoming obstacles.

The fascinating lines on the piece are a common motif in Timor, and also the Dayak and Batak peoples. Look like whorls of energy to me. I wonder what they see?

Early, pre-contact pieces from animistic tribes, whether African, Indian, Indonesian or other cultures, were made for a purpose that was not considered merely art by the people who made them. The symbols were there to make the pieces more effective tools, weapons, communications devices with spirits -- even gods. Not decorations.

It is likely that the carver thought that the intricate carving made this piece a more powerful weapon. He certainly spent a lot of time and effort on it.

8 inches (20.32 cm) Tall

Spunjer · 5th January 2007, 11:59 AM

nice tirador.

Marcokeris · 5th January 2007, 12:36 PM

Very nice!! A piece really with a soul and full of arcaic history.
The double spiral motif (from china dong song empire) is common at all tribal indonesian people.

nKante · 5th January 2007, 08:51 PM

I am only familiar with modern sling shots that use rubber bands to launch the missile. What was used on traditional weapons? Tissue fibers maybe? Or does the wood bend like a bow?

Tim Simmons · 5th January 2007, 09:14 PM

I think these are heddle pulley part of a weavers loom. a sling is a different thing?

Bill M · 6th January 2007, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

I think these are heddle pulley part of a weavers loom. a sling is a different thing?

Hmm, guess it is possible. I am open to other possibilities, but don't the heddle pulleys have a hole in them? This one has no hole.

nKante · 6th January 2007, 01:04 AM

OK. I have seen other examples of traditional african sling shots, straight dowel, no hole for pulley axle. They were all unstrung. What is the method of projection? Elastic bands or bendable fork?

5th January 2007, 11:03 AM	#1
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	Timor slingshot? I really like the carving that "primitive" people put into their weapons and everyday artifacts. Here is a slingsot / catapult purportedly from the Indonesian island of Timor. I do not know the age, but it is from an old collection and has wonderful patina. I like the representations of the male (picture #2) and the female (picture #3) on the sides of the handle. Balance of male and female supporting the piece. Symbolism depicting male and female was very important to the animistic / pagan societies. This went far deeper than mere fertility. Tantra also means overcoming obstacles. The fascinating lines on the piece are a common motif in Timor, and also the Dayak and Batak peoples. Look like whorls of energy to me. I wonder what they see? Early, pre-contact pieces from animistic tribes, whether African, Indian, Indonesian or other cultures, were made for a purpose that was not considered merely art by the people who made them. The symbols were there to make the pieces more effective tools, weapons, communications devices with spirits -- even gods. Not decorations. It is likely that the carver thought that the intricate carving made this piece a more powerful weapon. He certainly spent a lot of time and effort on it. 8 inches (20.32 cm) Tall Attached Images

5th January 2007, 11:59 AM	#2
Spunjer Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Witness Protection Program Posts: 1,730	nice tirador.

5th January 2007, 12:36 PM	#3
Marcokeris Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Italy Posts: 928	Very nice!! A piece really with a soul and full of arcaic history. The double spiral motif (from china dong song empire) is common at all tribal indonesian people.

5th January 2007, 08:51 PM	#4
nKante Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Philly Posts: 72	I am only familiar with modern sling shots that use rubber bands to launch the missile. What was used on traditional weapons? Tissue fibers maybe? Or does the wood bend like a bow?

5th January 2007, 09:14 PM	#5
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,806	I think these are heddle pulley part of a weavers loom. a sling is a different thing?

6th January 2007, 01:04 AM	#7
nKante Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Philly Posts: 72	OK. I have seen other examples of traditional african sling shots, straight dowel, no hole for pulley axle. They were all unstrung. What is the method of projection? Elastic bands or bendable fork?