bolas

A bola, plural bolas, is a traditional throwing weapon of the Americas. It consists of several cords attached to a central grip with a weight at the end of each cord. The common form uses three cords and three weights, though variations exist with two cords or different weights. Weights are often made of stone, clay, lead, or metal, and the cords can be several tens of centimeters to over a meter long.

Use and technique: The thrower whirls the weights to build momentum and then releases, sending the weights toward a target. If the weights strike or are driven around the legs, the cords wrap around the limbs, trip, or restrain the target. Bolas are traditionally employed to capture or subdue running game and to control livestock, as well as for defense or sport in some contexts.

History and cultural context: Bolas have long been associated with Indigenous peoples of the Andes and southern regions of South America, including groups such as the Mapuche, Tehuelche, and Quechua. They were used for hunting and herding in various environments and later became a symbol of gaucho culture in Argentina and neighboring areas. The term boleadoras is commonly used in Spanish, reflecting regional linguistic variation.

Contemporary use: Today, practical use has declined in many areas due to modern hunting and farming methods. Bolas remain a subject of cultural heritage, demonstrations, and crafts, and are sometimes featured in folk performances. Modern versions may use synthetic materials and adjusted weights, but the basic principle remains the same: momentum and wraparound action to entangle or trip a target.