Valari
| Valari | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Throwing Stick |
| Place of origin | India |
A valari (Tamil: வளரி) or valai thadi is a throwing stick used primarily by the Tamil people of India and Sri Lanka.[1] Valari is used for protecting cattels from Predators and hunting. It was the favorite weapon of choice in a deer hunt. Aayars and PeriyaMarudhu the sivagangai ruler in Tamilnadu, are strongly associated with this weapon.
Construction
Like the hunting boomerang of the aboriginal Australians, the Tamilian valari were two types return and unreturn to the thrower. Valari are made in many shapes and sizes. The usual form consists of two limbs set at an angle; one is thin and tapering while the other is rounded and is used as a handle. Valari are usually made of wood or iron, although some may have wooden limbs tipped with iron. Alternatively, the limbs may have lethally sharpened edges; special daggers known as kattari, double-edged and razor sharp, may attached to some valari.
Use
The thrower holds the valari by one of its limbs and throws it. There are several ways of throwing and aiming. It is usually given a spin while throwing. While flying through the air, it maneuvers and executes several types of movements according to the throwers purpose. It may spin in the vertical axis, horizontal axis, or just fly without spinning. The spin may also vary in speed. A lethal throw is given a spin and aimed at the neck. A non-lethal throw is given a spin and aimed at the ankles or knees. This is to capture a fleeing victim. A simple hurting blow does not have any spin.
References
- ↑ Thurston, Edgar (2001) [First printed in 1909 by Madras Government Press]. "Kallan". Castes and Tribes of Southern India. III (Fourth AES reprint ed.). New Delhi: J. Jetley. p. 70. ISBN 978-81-206-0288-5. Retrieved 8 January 2013.