November 19, 2012
Touch of Nature hosts ‘Art of Flintknapping’ on Dec. 15
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The Art of Flintknapping, a hands-on class in the ancient art of making arrowheads, will come Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Touch of Nature Environmental Center on Dec. 15.
The class, featuring Larry Kinsella, will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The presentation will be at the Upper 40 Cabin at the center, which is about eight miles south of Carbondale on Giant City Road.
The flintknapping technique for making arrowheads was originally an important survival skill; used for centuries by hunters to secure food and by others to handle important daily life tasks. Today, flintknapping is more of an art form, and people still are fascinated to learn this unique skill.
For more than 25 years Kinsella has been a vocational archaeologist, teaching primitive technology and experimental archaeology to all ages through fun and educational programs. Kinsella has shared his expertise at schools, libraries, museums, colleges and other gatherings throughout the country. Visitors can see Kinsella’s work at museums throughout the Midwest, including the Illinois State Museum. His work is also a feature in the Discovery Channel documentary, “What Killed the Megabeasts.”
The cost of “The Art of Flintknapping” program is $45 per person. The fee covers all tools needed to create arrowheads. Participants are also welcome to bring their own tools. Lunch is not included.
The class is limited to 25 participants so organizers suggest early registration. To reserve your spot, or for more information, contact the Touch of Nature Environmental Center at 618/453-1121 or by email at tonec@siu.edu.