Flintknapping  Workshop Saturday

WASHINGTON — Throughout human existence in the western hemisphere, people have been making, using, and discarding tools made from a variety of materials such as stone, bone, antler, and wood. The two most commonly used stone types in Connecticut were quartz and chert.

Quartz is a white stone commonly found in the area, while chert is a dark stone found along the Hudson River. Using a manufacturing process called direct percussion, the flintknapper would strike the stone using a hammer stone or a similar tool made from deer antler to shape various arrowheads and tools.

By the beginning of the 20th Century few Native Americans were still making these stone tools, yet in recent years archaeologists, Native craftsmen, and primitive skills practitioners have once again become skilled in the art of flintknapping.

Lithics expert Jeff Kalin (Cherokee descent) of Primitive Technologies, Inc, will lead a flintknapping workshop at The Institute for American Indian Studies on Saturday, July 11, from 11 am to 4 pm.

Cost is $50 for the workshop plus a $10 materials fee (or $40 and $10, respectively, for IAIS members), and the workshop is suitable for those making their first arrowhead or those who want to sharpen their skills. Percussion and pressure flaking techniques will be utilized.

The museum is at 38 Curtis Road. Call 860-868-0518 for reservations and additional information.