Bola
A throwing weapon that entangles legs with weighted cords
The bola consists of 2-3 heavy stone (or metal) weights connected by cords, thrown to spin through the air and entangle a target's legs, immobilizing it. Developed by indigenous peoples of South American Patagonia as a hunting weapon for fast grassland animals like rheas (South American ostriches) and guanacos (wild llama relatives). It became more widely known through gaucho (South American cowboy) cattle herding. Each weight is approximately 200-500g with cord lengths of 60-100cm. Also used as a combat weapon — Inca Empire armies deployed bolas on the battlefield.
Origin
A hunting weapon used for thousands of years by indigenous Patagonian peoples (Tehuelche and Mapuche). Later adopted by Argentine and Uruguayan gauchos for cattle herding, gaining wider recognition.
Features
- 2-3 stone/metal weights connected by cords
- Spinning flight entangles target's legs
- Each weight 200-500g, cord length 60-100cm
- Traditional hunting weapon of Patagonian peoples
- Iconic tool of gaucho herding culture
- Also used as combat weapon by Inca armies
Usage
Swung rapidly overhead and thrown at the target's legs, wrapping around and tripping the prey. Used for hunting, herding, and combat.