Slings were common weapons for ancient Andean populations since the Formative Period (c. 300 BCE). Some Nazca (Nasca) vessels show a sling held in the hands, while other Nazca and Huari (Wari) vessels illustrate slings wrapped around the head. Lightweight and portable, slings provided effective tools for combat in a rock-filled Andean landscape. The wide central band would support the stones used as weapons. While the longer strap or end with a loop was secured around the fingers, the short strap was released to launch the stone.

Adapted from

Kimberly L. Jones, PhD, Inca: Conquests of the Andes / Los Incas y las conquistas de los Andes, Label text [1983.W.2168; 1983.W.2167; 1989.W.2349; 1984.W.148], 2015.