Discover the fearsome Mallorcan sling and meet the "foners.”
The Romans hired them as mercenaries, pirates thought twice before sailing through Balearic waters, and Hannibal positioned them at the forefront of his armies in his campaign against the Italian peninsula.
The slingers - foners in Mallorcan - were elite warriors, feared for their excellent aim in hurling stones with their slings. They were fierce and incredibly brave, and with their projectiles, they would shatter armor, helmets, and shields, significantly weakening the enemy army and leaving it defenseless against the opponent's charge.
Mallorcan children wouldn't eat unless they hit the target.
Mallorcan mothers taught their children to shoot with a sling, and it was so important for them to practice its handling from a young age that they would place food high up in the trees. Only if they hit the target and brought it down could they eat it.
Historians say the origins of the sling date back to the Paleolithic era when this weapon, then rudimentary, was used for hunting. Mallorcans made them with plant fibers, esparto grass, flax, and sometimes horsehair from the mane. Occasionally, animal guts or tendons, treated and dried, were used.
The projectiles were usually stones or small pieces of lead, but not just any stone would do. The foners carefully selected each stone for its perfect shape, the most suitable weight, and maximum aerodynamics. These stones typically weighed around 100 grams.
Lead pieces weighed half as much and were made with a mold. Being lighter, they could achieve greater speed and cause more damage to the enemy.
Each foner carried at least three slings.
Mallorcan warriors typically carried three different slings. The first was tied to the head, the second at the waist, and the third was usually held in the hand. Some historians say all three slings were tied to the waist, but each served a specific purpose.
- -The first, measuring one meter long, was used to launch large projectiles. It could reach between 300 and 400 meters.
- -The second was more precise and custom-made, as its length had to be the same as the distance between the slinger's thumb and shoulder. With it, they could shoot more accurately and reach a distance between 30 and 50 meters.
- -The third sling was used for short-range shots. It also had to be tailored to the foner using it, as its length was the same as the distance between the thumb and biceps.
The strength of these warriors has often been compared to that of catapults, as the devastation they caused was formidable.
For several years now in Mallorca, the art of "tir amb fona" or sling shooting has been revived. A specialized branch of artisans is responsible for making slings and teaching those who wish to learn how to shoot with them, and in recent times, this sport has been federated, and competitions and demonstrations are held.
Slings can also be found at some Mallorcan markets and purchased as souvenirs.
If you enjoy the products and craftsmanship of Mallorca, we recommend visiting this blog entry.
