Bolas

Bolas (Span., 'balls'), missiles used by the natives and gauchos of southern South America, consisting of two heavy balls, generally of stone covered with leather, connected by a plaited thong 6 to 8 feet long. One bola is held in the right hand, while the other is swung rapidly round the head, at the full extent of the thong, and both are discharged at the animal to be captured, so as to wind round its feet, and bring it to the ground. In another form of bolas, there are three balls, not of the same size, connected at the common centre by three short thongs or ropes.