Flintknapping is the term used for flaking stone into tools, in the methods of all of our ancestors. This is the foundation for every culture on the earth, and it is an art as well as a science. Flint, chert, and obsidian are mainly used here to make projectile points(atlatl and arrowhead), knives, and drills. Also in this section are tools which are ground to shape, such as axes, hammers, and celts.
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| Michael demonstrating the making of a Clovis spear point for the History Channel. To show this process authentically, only tools materials shown in the archaeological record could be used. Shown here is a Moose antler baton(hammer) which is used to shape the volcanic glass. |
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| The Hertzian Cone in Volcanic Glass |
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| Knapping is very unlike chiseling a statue. Flints, cherts, and obsidian are shaped by striking off flakes. Using hammers such as antlers and soft sandstone, the raw rock is reduced in a series of stages to the desired shape. These strikes send energy through the rock in waves, looking very much like a splash in water.
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The Flint Daggers of Denmark on CD $12
A new CD of the new book by Dr. Errett Callahan showcasing the wonderful flintknapping of the European Neolithic. The CD shows everything that is in the book, but for a much lower price. All 32 pages of 50 examples are shown. Printed with the courtesy of the Danish National Museum and the State Historic Museum in Stockholm, Sweden.
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THE FLINT DAGGERS OF DENMARK $40
This unique "coffe table" book is a collaboration of Errett Callahan of Va and Jan Apel of Sweden. It features the flint masterpieces of the Late Neolithic Period in Europe. With 32 pages of 50 examples in 36 figures of 19 photos and 11 scientific drawings, daggers are shown for the first time ever in 11" by 17" extra large stock. This book is printed with the courtesy of the Danish National Museum and the State Historic Museum in Stockholm Sweden. Examples of the world's finest flintknapping for lovers of art, craftsmanship, and Archaeology. To see photos and order with CREDIT CARD, see (ITEMS FOR SALE) page.
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| Aztec styled art knife in rare green obsidian and jade handle |
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| Folsom replica in Texas flint |
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| Scottsbluff type 1 replica |
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Blades struck from carefully prepared cores is a technique that is found world wide in the archaeological record. I had a desire to study this skill after working with a collection of razor sharp obsidian blades from ancient Mexico. Obsidian blades can be used in modern surgery, as they can fracture down to a molecular edge and be proven to be sharper than steel.
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| Razor sharp blades and cores of obsidian and flint |
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| Our new LITHIC CASTS page was launched with this series by Dr. Errett Callahan. This cast set allows one to see how the archaeological record shows the production of the Clovis Spear Point |
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