bola

Bola is a traditional throwing weapon used in parts of South America, also spelled bolas or bolas de bolear. It consists of two or three weighted projectiles (bolas) attached to cords that converge into a grip. The weights are typically made of stone, metal, or leather-wrapped cores, and the cords vary in length. By swinging and releasing the cords, the weights arc through the air and wrap around a target’s legs, hindering movement.

Historically, bolas originated among cattle-herding cultures of the Pampas and other regions of the Southern Cone. They were employed for hunting and livestock control, taking advantage of momentum to entangle legs or feet. Mastery of the throw required timing, assessment of distance, and control to minimize self-injury or collateral injury to non-targets. Variations exist in form and technique, including different numbers of weights and cord lengths, adapted to local hunting and herding practices.

In modern contexts, bolas are often maintained as part of cultural heritage and traditional demonstrations. They are also encountered in educational settings, museums, and some sport or performance displays, where the emphasis is on skill and historical context rather than hunting.

The word bola also appears in Spanish and Portuguese as the term for a ball or sphere. In English-language usage, bolas (plural) refer to the weapon, while bola-like objects are described as spheres or balls.