The Hiawatha, a close cousin of the Nanticoke, has a classic primitive design. It is well made and very durable. More natural in shape than the Nanticoke, the split shafts are hand scraped and well sanded following the natural flow of the grain. These are available in Hickory, Ash or Osage Orange with an antler tine. Leather finger loops attached with sinew can be added. Some of our pieces are slightly charred and oiled, which would have been a surface treatment well within the grasp of hunter gatherers. Hiawathas vary in shape but they all reflect Thunderbird Atlatl's high standards of quality.

Hiawatha Atlatl (simple)

A simple Hiawatha with an antler spur. The Hiawatha is oiled, sanded and ready for use.

Hiawatha Atlatl (with loops)

With loops: +$20

Hiawatha Atlatl With Boat Stone Weight

With boat stone weight: +$80

Painted Hiawatha

The Painted Hiawatha is just like the Hiawatha except it has a primitive feather painted design on the surface. Each one is different and unique, but aesthetically pleasing. The painting does not represent any particular culture but is done using various features to achieve the primitive designs, as they might have been done in ancient times.