A weapon consisting of two thongs attached to a pouch, one of the first missile weapons in warfare. The weapon was whirled and a thong released, hurling a stone from the pouch with considerable velocity. Except in desert areas, such as the Peruvian coast, the sling itself does not survive but sling-bolts or shot of stone, terra-cotta or lead are present as artifacts. It is rarely found in the same cultural contexts as the bow and arrow. In another type, the sling was attached to a short staff that was held in both hands; it was used for heavier missiles, especially in siege operations during the European Middle Ages.