“Arrows”

Alan C. Miner

The use of "arrows" is noted in Alma 2:12. According to an article by William Hamblin, despite the fact that remains of wooden parts of bows or arrows can't be expected to survive over 1,500 years, several cane arrow shafts possibly dating from Book of Mormon times have recently been identified. . . . Moreover, thousands of stone projectile points have been recovered from Mesoamerican archaeological digs dating from the Book of Mormon period, proving that some missile weapons were used in Pre-Classic Mesoamerica. But were these projectile points used on arrows, atlatl darts, javelins, or spears? [William J. Hamblin, "The Bow and Arrow in the Book of Mormon," in Warfare in the Book of Mormon, F.A.R.M.S., p. 383]

Alma 2:12 Arrows ([Illustration]): Examples of projectile points with bases of various thickness. Despite their small size, figures A and B were probably attached to thick shafts (javelins and spears) because of the thickness of the base. On the other hand, figures C and D, with narrow bases, were probably attached to thin shafts (most likely arrows). All figures are from Central Mexico. Dates are approximate, but all fall within the Book of Mormon period: A. 600-200 B.C.; B. 500-300 B.C.; C. 600-400 B.C.; D. ca. 300-200 B.C.] [William J. Hamblin, "The Bow and Arrow in the Book of Mormon," in Warfare in the Book of Mormon, F.A.R.M.S., p. 385]

Step by Step Through the Book of Mormon: A Cultural Commentary

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