The Sling Thing

Ever since I was a kid, I've like primitive weaponry. I've shot bows, thrown spears, even
made an atlatl once, but the one primitive weapon which I prefer is the sling. Not the rubber-band thingy(that's a sling-shot or hand catapult), but the "shepherd's sling", like the thing
David used to kill Goliath with. Simply, a sling is a pouch with two cords attached. To use it, you
place a stone or some other suitable projectile in the pocket, or "pouch", grasp both cords with the same hand, wind-up and let it go. (I should mention that one cord remains attached to either the finger or wrist). Slings have the power to do a lot of damage, Roman Army medics even devised a special instrument to extract lead sling projectiles from casualties. These simple weapons were used for millenia throughout the world, and are still in use today. Slinging stones
is an enjoyable way to spend some time, it's quiet and challenging; and some slings are so well- made, they're works of folk-art in their own right. Incidentally, the pic to the right is that of a Neolithic Slinger, from where, I don't know, obviously some cave wall somewhere; so taking up the sling puts you in some very ancient company....btw, if you'd like to learn more,
go to: www.Slinging.org.