For the science of Primitive or Prehistoric Technology, only authentic materials may be used. When these natural materials are taken through the traditional process, it is the most worthwhile for scientific study. This is the best of experimental archaeology, and also the way most enjoyed by those wishing to connect with the past. It is our purpose to not only show a picture of the past, but to bring it to more life by providing a functional replica.
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| The Sling has been used by many cultures in the past for hunting and warfare. This replica can throw a rock over a hundred yards at over 80 miles an hour. |
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PRIMITIVE TECHNOLOGY BOOK $14
Guidlines for stone tools, bowmaking, pottery, basketry and many miscellaneous skills involved in primitive technology. Written by Dr. Errett Callahan, founder and former president of the Society of Primitive Technology. After 50 plus years of experimentation in these skills, Dr. Callahan has collected scattered publications in one cohesive guidebook. The details included are from real field experience, and are not often found in other books. To see the Table of Contents, and for info on ordering by credit card or check, see our (ITEMS FOR SALE) page.
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THE LASCAUX OIL LAMP REPLICA $75
This replica is fully functional as an oil lamp, and is made in the same red sandstone and measurements of the original, which was excavated in the cave of Lascaux, France. By filling the reservoir with any oil, and lighting a plant fiber wick, the same kind of light the cave painters used can be seen again today. (SEE ITEM)
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Around 17,000 years ago, the famous cave of Lascaux, France was painted by the light of oil burning lamps. This strict replica was made to the same dimensions and material as the original lamp excavated there. This shows the same light that the original artists saw the cave it. See our logo above.
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ROCK SLING IN PRIMITIVE MATERIALS
The Rock Sling has been used by cultures all over the world for hunting and warfare. Deceptively simple, the sling uses powerful forces to propel a projectile hundreds of yards. For hunting cultures, it was easy to make and carry, and very suitable for such quarry as birds in the air. For warfare, it produced a deadly projectile that was easy to keep supplied with ammo. This model has straps about 2 feet long made of plant fiber for less stretch. The rock pouch is made in braintan buckskin to keep it ultra traditional. It is fully functional but does not include the rocks to throw. To see more, or order by credit card(SEE ITEM).
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| Flint tipped pump drill |
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| This pump drill was tipped with a flint bit, which is a modern made replica of an actual flint drill from prehistory. (see drills) When set in with pine pitch glue, and fit with a spinning sandstone flywheel weight, it can drill through materials such as bone, antler, shell, and other stones. Drills are often found in artifact collections, and seldom get much notice as a static object. An authentically made spinning pump drill apparatus brings these objects to life.
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| This whitetail deer hide is being worked with the primitive "wet scrape" method. Our ancestors used oils(often in the brains of the animal) and smoke to create a material that has wonderful properties. Modern "chrome tanned" leathers are damaged by perspiration and moisture, and are made with chemicals that are horrible for the enviroment. The brains and smoke change the hide so that it is not harmed by moisture or sweat, and is completely biodegradable. In addition, clothing is descented and keeps its insulating properties even when wet. It is the true authentic material for traditional and primitive projects like period clothing, sheaths, pipebags, and all beading projects.
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Braintan Buckskin cuts $39
These leftover cuts of deer buckskin were made in a completely primitive and traditional manner. The ancient method of smoked braintan buckskin produces a truly traditional and historically accurate product for projects such as moccasins, pipe bags, and all beading projects. Unlike modern chrome tanned leathers(even those called deerskins), braintan buckskin is not harmed by getting wet, and keeps its insulating properties even when it does get wet. It is the material that was worn by Native Americans, early pioneers such as Lewis and Clark, and all of our ancestors. These cuts have no holes, stitching or stiff spots. (see ITEMS FOR SALE page)
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| These axes were made for the Boy Scout's celebration of Native American Heritage month in November of 2009. OccPaleo made over 20 replicas that were used in a demonstration that allowed these adventurous young boys to see up close what native tools actually looked like. Once objects were held in the hands and seen up close, many were inspired to try to learn more about archaeology and attempt to learn traditional skills.
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To be faithful to the original, this Solutrean needle replica was scraped with flint burins down to a 1/32 of an inch in thickness, and the thread hole was gouged out with small flint slivers of flint to a diameter of 1/64 of an inch.
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| Replica of 20,000 year old bone needle from Placard Cave in France |
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| Eastern Woodlands style fishing spear head |
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Dogbane is known in the east to have the strongest fibers for making cordage. Once the bark is scraped off and the inner stalk removed, the fibers are excellent for making the cord on the bow drill and pump drill fire making kits. It is one of the few plant fibers strong enough for using on Archery bows. Another wonderful quality is that it is very rot resistant from moisture and is therefore the perfect material for making traditional nets. All leftovers make an excellent tinder for starting the friction fire kits. A bundle sold here consists of 10 stalks collected at their best stage, in the fall. Stalks are all between 2 and half and 3 feet long.
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| Before the use of metal, the Inuit harpoon spear head often included slate points ground to a sharp edge. The Eskimo methods of using antler and bone toggle foreshafts were perhaps the most sophisticated in the world. This example shows one of the most simple attachments.
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