Thumb Rest of a Spear Thrower

600–1000

Thumb Rest of a Spear Thrower, 600–1000. Andes, Wari people. Bone; overall: 7.1 x 2.1 cm (2 13/16 x 13/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund 2017.58 This object was lashed to a spear thrower, where it served as a thumb rest or grip. The imagery is suited to the use: a supernatural being throttles a human, turning its head to expose its throat to a knife the being holds in one hand. Thus, the scene captures the crucial moment of an offering likely intended to assure the benevolence of divine forces. Spear throwers, also called atlatls, use leverage to propel a spear faster and farther.