Before Native Americans used a bow, they used an atlatl, a tool to support and propel a spear or a dart. Atlatl is now a sport and clubs exist in some states.

Here, John Blunk Sr., right, shows Wawasee Middle School eighth-grader Kyle Hunter how to properly hold the atlatl before loading the dart on it. Blunk, of Clarksville, Ind., was a guest speaker for a couple of days in physical education classes taught by his son, John Blunk Jr., at WMS.

In ancient times, if propelled properly from an atlatl, a spear could penetrate some types of armor.