Effigy jar: figure holding sling

Slings were common weapons for ancient Andean populations since the Formative Period (c. 300 B.C.E.). This Nazca (Nasca) vessel shows a sling held in the figure’s hands, while other Nazca and Huari (Wari) vessels illustrate slings wrapped around the head. Lightweight and portable, slings provided effective tools for combat in a rock-filled Andean landscape. The wide central band would support the stones used as weapons. While the longer strap or end with a loop was secured around the fingers, the short strap was released to launch the stone.