Educational Program
Activities
Introduction
to the Atlatl:
The atlatl is an
ancient device that allows a light
spear, called a dart, to be cast with much greater force and distance
than by hand alone. It has been used by cultures worldwide, and is
still in use by some. The atatl precedes the bow and arrow by thousands
of years, and is a very effective projectile system.
We will bring ten to twenty atlatls, plenty of darts, and everything
needed to set up the range and get started throwing. This program
segment will begin with
an educational introduction to atlatl equipment, techniques,
history, and other
interesting tidbits, and then everyone can practice casting some darts.
Atlatls are great fun and an important prehistoric
technology. An open mowed or cleared space of at least the area of a
football field is required for safety and the segment normally lasts 45
minutes to an hour per group.
Introduction
to Stone Tools :
Stone tools are one of the
fundamental
technologies of pre-industrial people worldwide. In this segment, we
will learn about several types of stone tools including woodworking
tools, cutting tools, and specialty tools. An introductory presentation
will introduce participants to the variety, function, and manufacture
of various tools, and then up to ten people at a time can try some
flint knapping (the process of making flint "arrowheads" and other
cutting tools) with provided tools and materials.
The
ability
to make string, rope, and other lashings is an important skill that is
used in many situations of daily life, and the finished products can be
made in the woods with absolutely no tools other than bare hands. In
this segment, we explore the various materials and methods of making
and using cordage. Several fibers that have been used for thousands of
years in the Eastern Woodlands will be provided as we learn and
practice the art of stringy stuff. Often unprocessed plant fibers and
tree bark can be used as they are, and we will learn what plants
provide these resources and how to use them and in what ways they were
important to prehistoric people.
Fire is
arguably the single most important technology ever. Throughout human
history, fire has and continues to provide us with many of the basic
and essential needs and other comfort and technology related functions.
We will discuss this monumental importance and then explore the various
ways that people ignite and harness fire. Important fire making methods
will be demonstrated, including flint and steel, fire piston, and hand
drill (the most used method in pre-industrial cultures worldwide).
Following this introduction and demonstration, everyone will have the
opportunity to learn and practice making fire with the bow-drill
method. This a very popular segment that underscores our reliance on
and rich history of fire use.
Plant
Resources
of the Eastern
Woodlands:
The range and
scope of plant resources in the
Eastern Woodlands is staggering, and in this segment we will identify
the plants that provide vital raw materials and learn about how they
are harvested, processed, and used. As we walk around a chosen natural
area, we will focus on important species and the resources that
pre-historic people harvested from them. We will also explore the
specialized tools and techniques that were used to process them into
the domestic products necessary for everyday survival.
