And in some spare time, I carved a spear thrower inspired by the an Old World Upper Paleolithic design.  This one is made from seasoned shagbark hickory (carya ovata) from my old farm.  It would certainly be handy as a multi-purpose tool to a hunter-gatherer and could easily serve as a club or throwing stick for small game.  At least some of the early ones were from more durable materials such as antler or ivory.

A close-up of the hook.  The thrower was burnished with bone to create a nice finish, then coated with walnut oil for protection.