Alaska Native
Bolo

Bolo’s used in hunting birds from kayaks

When in search of game, the bolo is worn around the hunter’s head with the balls resting on his brow. When a flock of birds passed overhead,at a distance not exceeding 40 or 50 yards, the hunter untwists the bolo, swings the balls around his head once or twice and cast them, aiming a little in front of the flock. As they begun to lose their impetus they acquire a gyrating motion and spreads apart the sinew cords into a circle of four or five feet in diameter. . .if a bird is struck its wings are so hampered that it falls helpless. Bolo’s used over land are made of ivory, stone or a similar heavy material. Bolo’s used in hunting birds from kayaks, were made with wooden balls that would float The handle consisted of a bundle of bird quills.