Slings & slingstones : the forgotten weapons of Oceania and the Americas / Robert York and Gigi York.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

York, Robert, 1944-

Contributor:

York, Gigi, 1944-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Slings--History.

Slings.

Slingstones--History.

Slingstones.

Oceania--History.

Oceania.

America--History.

America.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (221 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Kent, Ohio : Kent State University Press, [2011]

Summary:

A fascinating examination of an overlooked weapon For most of us, our knowledge of slings and slingstones begins and ends with the biblical tale of David slaying Goliath. Scholars and archaeologists have told us that slings like the one David employed were common in the Old World, used not just for shepherd boys to kill giants but for protecting herds, hunting, and combat. However, few scholars have addressed the function slings have occupied outside of Eurasian civilizations, especially their use in Oceania and the Americas. In this astounding new archaeological survey, authors Robert York and Gigi York examine the history of Oceania and the Americas to unveil the significant role slings and slingstones played in developing societies. They present new evidence that suggests that unlike David who plucked rounded pebbles from a stream, inhabitants of the Pacific Islands deliberately fashioned sling missiles out of coral, stone, and clay into uniquely deadly shapes. They also show that the use of slings in the Americas was more pervasive and inclined to variability than previously recognized. Well documented, bountifully illustrated, and thoroughly researched, Slings and Slingstones is sure to engage readers interested in expanding their knowledge of the past. It is an essential reference for archaeologists, historians, and students of the history of arms and weaponry.

Contents:

""Cover""; ""Copyright""; ""Dedication""; ""Contents""; ""List of Figures""; ""List of Maps""; ""Preface""; ""Acknowledgments""; ""Abbreviations""; ""Part 1: Setting the Stage""; ""Introduction""; ""Chapter 1: Time Out, or a Brief Try at Locating the World�s First Slings and Slingstones""; ""Part 2: Oceania/The Islands of the Central Pacific""; ""Introduction""; ""Chapter 2: Micronesia""; ""Chapter 3: Melanesia""; ""Chapter 4: Polynesia""; ""Chapter 5: Oceania Summary""; ""Part 3: The Americas""; ""Introduction""; ""Chapter 6: South America and Mesoamerica""; ""Chapter 7: North America""

""Chapter 8: The Americas Concluding Remarks: Questions and Issues""""References""; ""Index""

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9781631010828

1631010824

9781631010835

1631010832

OCLC:

870088738