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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.
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