We are coming to the end of the hunter-gatherer segment of the Three Epochs outline. Tomorrow I will post a bibliography for this section. After this we move into the realm of pastoralism and the tending of animals.
XV. Rawhide and Tanning
A. Properly skin an animal so as to leave as little flesh on the hide as possible
B. Prepare and use a set of tanning tools
a. Flesher/ scraper
b. Stretcher paddle
c. Dehairing tool
d. Stretching frame: lacing
C. Obtain the brains and other useful organs for and prepare the tanning solution
D. Apply solution and work until hide is soft and dry
E. Build a smudge fire and smoke the hide on both sides
F. Produce an item of utility from a tanned hide
a. Pack straps
b. Moccasins
c. Possible bags
d. Braided tie
e. Rabbit rope
f. Pouches
g. Babiche
h. Parafleche
i. Canteen
j. Clothing
k. Blanket
l. Quivers
m. Drum
n. Box
XVI. Ropes and Knots (demonstrate and practice knot tying for specific applications)
XVII. Environmental Skills: Ecosystems and Science, Earth and Biological Sciences (Bioregions, habitats, deep ecology, immersing ourselves in the land and the natural world; How can we apply all of these subject areas in our practice?)
A. Geologic cycle
B. Weather, wind (speed and direction), cloud forms, barometer, folk signs, animal signs
C. Hydrologic cycle
D. Stargazing: astronomy and astrology
E. Birds: ornithology
F. Insects: entomology
G. Reptiles and amphibians
H. Conservation and ecology
I. Life zones
J. Mathematics: Fibonacci ratios and spirals
K. Sociology, geography, demographics
L. Microclimates
M. Botany
N. Zoology
O. Gardening and farming (see transition to Epoch I and Epoch II)
XVIII. Survival Skills of the Homeless
A. Observe the homeless in suburban, urban and rural areas
B. What kinds of skills do they utilize for their survival and how are they different, and the same, in each environment?
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