Inspired by the archaeological record, Occoquan Paleotechnics LLC 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 25 years of intense study in the fields of primitive technology and experimental archaeology. With over 20 years of professional museum experience conserving collections, the highest degree of authenticity can be reached.
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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 mission of Occoquan Paleotechnics.
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Occoquan Paleotechnics serves the museum community, academic institutions, and all practitioners of traditional skills. Our focus is on ancient technologies where materials such as wood, stone, hide, and fiber were used, as well as any other natural authentic material.
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| This replica of a Chippewa Quiver was made in the same canoe Birch Bark of the original. The shoulder strap is made in Smoked Braintan Buckskin and the bottom is sealed with pine pitch and wood ash. |
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| Replica of the Aztec Macuahuitl, often called the Obsidian Sword. |
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| During Pre-Columbian Meso-America in the 1500's, the weapon of choice for the Aztecs was the Macahuitl. By fitting a club or wooden sword with rows of razor sharp volcanic glass, they were wielding one of the deadliest weapons in history. No examples of this weapon have survived history, so we have based this replica on the numerous depictions in the recordings from the Spanish Conquest, when they were at their height of use. Obsidian flakes were knapped in a traditional manner(see LITHICS) and fit into a wood paddle of Central American Mohagony. SEE NEW MODEL FOR AUG 2012
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| Depiction of the Obsidian Sword in the Codex Mendoza(ca. 1540) |
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The ancient techniques of making fire by friction are still in use today. After 25 years of study, including examination of archaeological examples in museums, we have come up with kits designed to work best for beginners. 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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| The "Licking Bison" of La Madeleine, France |
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| This replica was based on an Ice Age carving from the caves of France. The original was made in reindeer antler over 12,000 years ago, using flint burins to carve out the shape. This piece shows the genius of Paleolithic art, with one horn raised in bold relief, and the other horn etched in. The scene depicts an Ice Age bison licking an insect bite on its flank.
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Many of our items are made custom for clients with a specific need. We also have items that are ready for immediate sale on our (ITEMS FOR SALE) page. To inquire about custom versions of anything seen on this site, or about pricing quotes, please email us at clovis23@comcast.net. We are now accepting credit card orders on our "Items for Sale" checkout page, and Paypal is an option for all sales as well. Items are almost always sent within 2 business days, tracked, and fully guaranteed.
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