Michael is currently working on several new projects for Occoquan Paleotechnics. 2007 through 2010 was spent analyzing the lithics of the Thunderbird Clovis Archaeological site for the Smithsonian Institution. This wonderful site was used for over 12,ooo years as a lithic jasper quarry, and offers a wealth of information about how stone tools were made during the peopling of the Americas. The site serves well as a lithics introduction to Smithsonian interns and volunteers. The lessons learned from a study at this site helped to define the stages of Clovis Paleoindian stone tool manufacturing, and these stages are shown in the new casting project created by archaeologist Dr. Errett Callahan.
(see LITHIC CASTS)
Michael also recently worked with George Washington University's Anthropology program in their kinematics lab, where the motion of making stone tools can be captured on computer with motion sensors on the body. OccPaleo also recently worked with New York University, Montgomery College, The Morrow Moutain Museum, and Norway's Arkikon.
In 2011, OccPaleo will be adding artifact casting to the services provided. Michael is currently working on casting Ice Age stone tools for the Smithsonian Institution, and several of these casts will be used in teaching demonstrations for the Anthropology department of Montgomery College in Maryland and academic institutions throughout the world.
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| Michael making a clovis point for the History Channel's "JOURNEY TO 10,000 BC" |
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Recently, Michael worked on the History Channel's special on the peopling of the Americas and the new ideas about the origins of the Clovis culture. OccPaleo made all of the stone tool props and several of the authentic atlatl models that are shown in a mammoth hunt.
Our current project is the construction of the Chinese double barrel repeating crossbow, showing some of the heights of traditional technology before the invention of modern firearms. After finding an original in the collections of the Smithsonian from the 1600's, we are trying to bring this ancient technology alive again. This bow uses traditional bamboo for the bow, and will hopefully be available in 2011.
We also have a patent pending on the Shepherd Special threaded connection atlatl dart, which we proudly offer now. Although not made of all natural materials like our other items, this design can withstand continued field practice without the breakage that always occurs with stone tipped primitive darts. We also now offer a 7 foot model that is made for competition, with the short distance of 20 meters and under.
New replicas of museum bows will soon be offered for a one time sale on this site as they are replicated and tested out for performance, as all of our bows are functional objects as well as art pieces.
All stone tool items are diamond scribed, signed, and dated, to protect the archaeological record. Please check our feedback on the ebay auction style listings under the username clovis6mwh. For information about ordering a custom design, demonstrations, or about items listed for sale on this site, please email anytime:
Michael Frank
Occoquan Paleotechnics
3019 Bromley court
Woodbridge, VA 22192
clovis23@comcast.net
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