Fig. 17. The harpoon thrower, ásxux: shape and dimensions as described by the same informant. The thrower is a wooden stick which acts as an extension of the hunter's arm, to increase the force and distance of throw.

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a. lower surface, which is held in the hand

 

b. upper surface, which fits into the shaft of the harpoon

 

c. longitudinal section

  1. bone or ivory hook designed to fit into the end of the harpoon shaft
  2. longitudinal groove, chilamaqa, which keeps the harpoon on the thrower during the act of throwing; it must be accurately made if the harpoon is to be thrown properly
  3. opening through which the hunter places his index finger
  4. indentation for the thumb
  5. indentation for the other three fingers of the hand.