There is more to the craft of flintknapping than breaking stones to make tools. As well as being an entertaining hobby, it provides a hands-on way to understand the past. Here is the best resource for learning aboriginal techniques. Flintknapping was part of a rich way of life that gains new relevance through learning what each stage of tool production entailed. How were the raw materials obtained? What techniques and tools were necessary? Could anyone make an arrowhead?
Not everyone chooses the same methods today, and you will soon understand that each past tradition had its own recipe of specific flakes used to create useful stone tools. Each lifestyle choice led people to unique, and fascinating solutions with wonderfully artistic design.
"Old Tools—New Eyes is the best book of its type I have had the pleasure to read. Bob Patten is one of North America's greatest flintknappers, and Old Tools—New Eyes shares his extensive knowledge in a concise, yet comprehensive, overview of flintknapping. He clearly explains the principles and concepts required to make stone tools, shares new ideas, explains complex processes, and even incorporates ethics in this great little book. Old Tools—New Eyes is essential reading for anyone interested in stone tools and archaeology."
—Dr. James Dixon
Chapter
1- HANDAXES TO GUNFLINTS
A
look at how flintknapping fit into ancient life contrasts the
difference between primal and modern viewpoints. By the way,
safety precautions are important.
Chapter 2- STONE
Suitable stone is not always flint. Simple tests reveal the structure, strength, and elasticity of a stone.
Chapter 3- TOOLS
A wide variety of knapping tools can be used to make an arrowhead, so some useful options are provided.
Chapter 4- BREAKING ROCK
Exploring ways that energy can be applied and used helps us approach what early flintworkers understood naturally.
Chapter 5- DIRECTING THE FRACTURE
Combining forces judiciously can make the fracture travel where a knapper wants. The results show archaeologists what actions the knapper used.
Chapter 6- DIRECT PERCUSSION
Hammering flakes off is aptly called percussion. Directions explain just where and how to hit for maximum advantage.
Chapter 7- INDIRECT PERCUSSION
A seldom discussed, but powerful mode of flake removal.
Chapter 8- PRESSURE
Subtle refinements by pressure improve a stone tool. Many ways of making pressure flakes are covered.
Chapter 9- THE ALL IMPORTANT FLAKE
Flakes make an edge, shape a tool, improve surface contour, thin a tool, or serve as a tool. Attributes of flakes allow archaeologists to understand their original purpose.
Chapter 10- ANCIENT SPEARPOINT STYLES
Replication of spearpoints shows how special techniques can mimic archaeological evidence.
Chapter 11- LITHIC ANALYSIS
The language of flintknapping aids reconstruction of past life—from description, to diagnosis, to drawing conclusions.
Chapter 12- TYING ONE ON
How were stone tools handled? Handles and hafts can be made of many kinds of wood or bone.
Chapter 13- EXAMPLES
Full-scale illustrations include artifacts from around the world.
Chapter 14- TIPS, POINTERS (AND OTHER DEBITAGE)
A good knapper leaves no stone unturned. Tip sheets are provided for quick reference.
Resources
Pointers to other information.
Glossary
Learn the jargon.
