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Samoan Material Culture

Slings

Slings

Slings (ma'ata) were extensively used but no information was obtained as to technique except that they were made of the bast of fau or fau songa. The sling stones were not worked but were selected from waterworn pebbles (ala) of appropriate size. Some stones (ala papa) were said to burst on striking. At Fitiuta, Tau, the waterworn stones from the Laufiti stream, five miles distant, were in much favor as sling stones. Before hostilities men page 609were sent to the stream to bring back loads of stones as ammunition. The sling was looked upon as a very effective weapon in war. The wounds inflicted were severe and any arms or legs that were broken took a long time to heal as the fractures were usually comminuted.