XI. Lithics (Stone, Bone, Shell, Tooth, Horn/ appropriate technology basics)
A. Using primitive tools and materials produce a cutting edge
a. Simple blade
b. Backed blade
c. Burin
d. Prismatic blade
e. Shiritaki blade
B. Using percussion flaking and lithic reduction sequence produce
a. Preform
b. Discoidal knife
c. Fist ax
d. Cobble tool
e. Adz
f. Thumb scraper
g. Graving tool
h. Slate knife
C. Using the abrading method make a shaft polisher, stone pipe bowl, story stone, or grind/ polish an ax head to a serviceable edge
D. Using the pecking technique build a metate and mano/ mortar and pestle, or groove a stone so it can be hafted to a handle
a. Coplet
b. Ax
c. Hammer/ maul
d. Spindlewhorl
E. Using pressure flaking (flintknapping) technique produce a serviceable
a. Projectile point
b. Knife blade
c. Drill point (down a 1 to 5 thickness ration)
F. Compile your own chipping kit
a. Hammerstones
b. Batons
c. Notchers
d. Preforms
e. Fluting vice
f. Pressure tools
g. Leather pads
h. Shoulder/ chest crunch
i. Blanks
j. Sinew
k. Punch
l. Goggles
G. Produce and heat treat various flint shards for working
H. Use your stone implements to construct another primitive tool
I. Make a bone/ horn tool
a. Hide scarper
b. Chisel
c. Knife blade
d. Shaft wrench
e. Graver/ gouge
f. Harpoon tip
g. Decoration
h. Game pieces
i. Spear/ arrow head
j. Weaving needle
k. Sewing awl
l. Fish hooks
m. Comb
n. Whistle
o. Bowl/ spoon
J. Use shell for a:
a. Knife
b. Decoration
c. Spoon
d. Scraper
K. Haft a bone or stone tool to a serviceable wooden handle or shaft
a. Knife
b. Atlatl
c. Scraper
d. Celt
e. Pump drill
f. Ax
g. Arrow
h. Shovel/ hoe
L. Complete a tool using:
a. Igneous rocks
b. Sedimentary rocks
c. Metamorphic rocks
M. Demonstrate understanding of these terms
a. Platform
b. Squared edge
c. Cone principle
d. Beveling
e. Ridge
f. Margin
Flintknapping: The art of making stone tools
Of all the history of mankind, nine tenths of it is written in stone. Able to make tools from flint cobbles, our fore-bearers gained an advantage over other predators. We not only rose to dominate our environment, but we went on to alter it, for the production and use of stone tools followed our progress well into the age of agriculture. Even today, in the remote highlands of New Guinea, there are humans who still practice this ancient craft.
Flint working is a universal part of our heritage. It is the one thing that all races of mankind, the world over, have in common. If you could trace your ancestors back far enough, you would certainly find flintknappers among them.
How is it done?
The surface of a stone tool will exhibit a wavy appearance. These scars are a frozen record of shock waves generated by a series of blows dealt to the edge. Geologists tell us that flint has a “concoidal fracture”. This is best illustrated when a BB strikes plate glass. A cone is removed opposite the point of impact. When striking the edge of a piece of flint, only a portion of that cone is removed. By controlling the angle, placement and weight of the blows it is possible to fracture this material in a predictable manner. In making his implements, prehistoric man used one or a combination of three techniques, which are known as percussion flaking, indirect percussion, and pressure flaking.
Percussion flaking: Flakes are driven off the edge with a hammerstone or deer antler.
Pressure flaking: Flakes are pried off with a deer antler tine or copper pointed tool.
Indirect percussion: Flakes are removed by striking a punch placed on the edge.
What kind of tools do I need?
Hammerstones were the first and simplest flint knapping tools. They were just water worn pebbles that fit the hand well, used to break up nodules and blocks of flint into workable spalls, and to rough out blanks. Hammerstones are made of granite, quartzite or greenstone.
The antler billet is used to thin, shape and sharpen the flint tool. The ideal billet is made from the trunk of a moose antler. However, smaller antlers, such as those from the white tailed deer, can also be used.
Pressure flakers were made from the upper tine portion of the antler rack. Many people use copper pointed tools.
Punches used for indirect percussion can be made from antler, or antler tipped with copper.
Abraders are made from quartzite or sandstone. An excellent substitute can be a broken carborundum grinding wheel. These are one of the more important tools, necessary for grinding the edge to make striking platforms.