Brief Description:  The stave sling (also known as a staff sling, or fustibalus in Latin) was a medieval ranged weapon consisting of a wooden pole (stave) fitted with a sling pouch. Acting as a powerful lever, it allowed a slinger to hurl heavy projectiles at high trajectories, making it highly effective during sieges.

Construction and Components:

The Stave: Typically made of seasoned, resilient hardwood (such as ash or oak), the pole ranged from 1 to 2 meters in length. It was thick enough to withstand the immense torque of a swinging payload but light enough to be maneuverable.

The Sling (Pocket): Attached to the upper tip of the stave, the pocket was generally made of flexible, durable materials like woven cord, canvas, or stitched leather. It was designed to cradle a specific projectile size.

The Cord Mechanism: The sling used two cords. One was permanently tied or bound to the top end of the wooden staff, while the other terminated in a ring or loop that was slipped over a notched peg at the tip of the stave.