Inspired by the archaeological record, Occoquan Paleotechnics offers the finest quality functional replicas of prehistoric museum artifacts, as well as art pieces influenced by ancient designs. Founder Michael Frank has spent over 22 years of intense study with the finest instructors in the world in the fields of experimental archaeology and primitive technology. Along with 17 years of professional experience conserving collections at the Smithsonian Institution, the highest degree of authenticity can be reached. Occoquan Paleotechnics starts with authentic processes using all natural materials gathered in a non
impacting and sustainable way.
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| This functional replica of an 1870's Cheyenne horse bow was made in the same authentic materials as the original, Osage Orange wood and buffalo sinew |
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It seems that everyone has a love of archaeology to some degree. Functional replicas, such as an ancient style bow that shoots an arrow straight today, can bring archaeology to life for those who do not have access to the originals. This is the goal of Occoquan Paleotechnics.
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| In order to make this clovis replica in an authentic manner, the early stages of manufacture had to follow what is shown in the archaeological record. The end result will have a different look than a tool made with modern short cuts. This piece was diamond scribed with a small date to properly mark it as a modern made item.
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This strict replica of an Eskimo spear thrower was made after precise examination of the original, in the same Pacific Spruce wood. Eskimos used this type of atlatl to launch harpoons from sea kayaks. In this reproduction, the bone spur has been slightly elevated so that it can be functional for throwing on land as well.
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| Replica of 19th century spear thrower |
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Occoquan Paleotechnics serves the museum community, academic institutions, and all practitioners of traditional skills. Our focus is on the prehistoric period and the arts of flintknapping, projectile technology, hidework, and friction fire making techniques. For these skills, materials such as wood, stone, hide, and fiber are used, as well as any other natural materials authentic for the project.
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| Archaic period style knife |
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This knife in mexican rainbow obsidian has a handle made in curly maple that is stained with the husks of black walnuts. It was inspired by a prehistoric knife found by archeologists in a cave in Texas. Being larger and using different raw materials, it is not a strict replica, but holds closely to the feel of the original in design. For an authentic replica, stone tools must be made in the correct stages shown by the archaeological record.
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The ancient techniques of making fire by friction are still in use today. After twent-five years of study, including examination of archaeological examples in museums, we have come up with kits designed to work best for beginners of every size. Several methods here are used as teaching collections so that the student can have success, build their own equipment afterwards, and get a lesson on the history of fire by friction.
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| Ember created from "rubbing two sticks together" |
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All materials are gathered in a sustainable way that will have the least impact on the enviroment. Wood for the friction fire sets are collected from standing dead wood, and the hidework is from the excess of hunters that would otherwise go to waste. These processes use 100% biodegradable materials with no fuel used in production. In addition, all collecting trips are simultaneously a trash pick up, and our stretch of the Occoquan Reservoir is the most pristine for many miles.
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This atlatl was made from Black Locust driftwood found on the banks of the Occoquan reservoir. The steatite stone for the weight was found in the nearby streams, and the shed antler was found on the forest floor. These are all materials found in one day's hike and trash pick up.
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To inquire about custom versions of anything seen on this site, or about pricing quotes, please email us at clovis23@comcast.net.
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