EPOCH I: THE HUNTER GATHERER
In order to learn the intricacies of the local terrain and the origins of technology, for homesteading purposes and a general understanding of the immediate environment, it is important to become familiar with the spatial and temporal dimensions of the lay of the land. Folk and life ways, settlement configurations, geology, plants, animals and weather patterns will give us the ability to hone in our observation and develop creative hand and eye coordination. The ancients were highly skilled at reading the landscape and knew, intimately, where to locate the materials and tools to meet their basic necessities. The majority of the skills listed here are conducted with materials culled only from the local environment. Some skills and equipment used are modern imitations of ancient tools. They are included for comparative analysis. The student is required to seek information and additional instruction necessary in order to complete specific lessons. Learning to seek out appropriate information is tantamount to becoming a complete designer.
I. The Basic Hunter-Gatherer Philosophy
A. Discuss the impact of the hunter-gatherer lifestyle and how its adoption improves a student’s skill and dedication to learning
B. Discover the value of learning to master the physical in order to excel in the spiritual
C. Learn the local environment- total immersion in the landscape (from the stars to biology of the soil
II. Beginnings
A. The spirit and heart of the skills: describe the spirit and heart of all the skills, associated legends, learning principles, practices (create one of the following)
a. Earth: stone, plant, animal, humans
b. Fire: fire, shelter, magic, signals
c. Water: navigation, water, the seasons
d. Air: the quest, creation, sky, spirit
e. Singing, drumming, dancing, primitive instruments (ex: bullroarer)
f. Storytelling (drama and ritual, mask-making)