Inca Bola--weapon

The bola is a throwing weapon that has been used by the Incas and other civilization. They are even used today to rope cattle, but the bolas were in battle by the Incas to either ring someone around the neck or trip them. If used correctly, the bola can actually kill someone.

The basic bola was made of a fiber like leather and most likely rocks. The Incas couldn't use just any rocks. All the rocks had to be the same. Some bolas can have up to 8 strings and 8 rocks. The strings of leather are all the same length--about 60 cm. The Incas tied them together at one end, securely. At the other end of each string, a rock was tied. The rock needed to be tied on securely.

The Inca help the bola by the common knot at the top and spun the bola around their head before releasing it. None of the rocks should touch each other while they are being spun. Then the Incas aimed the bola at their target. The weight of each rock acted like a Frisbee and if thrown correctly, would wrap around the neck, the legs or body of their victim. The Incas either tried to trip or kill their enemies with the bola.