From left to right, three bola stones and a Waco "Sinker." They are made from sandstone, quartzite, or limestone.The round bola stones have incised grooves, while the groove around the somewhat oblong Waco Sinker was made by pecking. Both forms have been shaped by grinding and both date to the Early Archaic. Waco Sinkers are most common in central Texas. There is little debate that the bola stones were used as bolas—missiles tied together in pairs (or more) on the ends of strong cords and hurled in such a way that the spinning weapon would entangle the target animals. The function of Waco Sinkers is debated; they may be some sort of ritual artifact form as they are often found with burials. TARL Collections.
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