An 8,000 year old atlatl was found in Nicholarson Cave Nevada. The original was 23" long and an handle that was 3/4" thick. The shaft tapers as you approach the tip. The grip section had about four inches worth of grooves carved into it for secure grip. This one is made from ash. The original hook was roughly 2 1/4" long carved from a deer antler. The banner stone was 7" long and 3/4" thick carved from grey slate. I carved this one from catlinite and made it a bit taller than the original.
It feels solid in your hand like a hammer and throws well for me. I prefer the hammer style atlatls and this one does not disappoint. Thanks for looking.