May 14, 2013
Touch of Nature hosts flintknapping event June 8
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- If you have ever wondered how to go about making an arrowhead, you will want to check out “The Art of Flintknapping” workshop at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Touch of Nature Environmental Center on June 8.
The event, running from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., will feature Larry Kinsella, an experienced arrowhead maker and longtime archaeologist. The presentation will be at the Upper 40 Cabin at the center, which is located about eight miles south of Carbondale on Giant City Road.
Kinsella’s work is on display at the Illinois State Museum and in museums across the country as well as in the Discovery Channel documentary “What Killed the Megabeasts.” He also presents programs across the country. This is the second Kinsella presentation at Touch of Nature. Organizers added a second presentation due to the first workshop’s reception.
Hunters and others used arrowheads for centuries to secure food and for important daily life tasks, so the art of flintknapping was an important survival skill. Today, the technique is more of an art form and people still are fascinated to learn this unique skill.
The cost of “The Art of Flintknapping” workshop 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.
For more information, or to reserve a spot, contact Touch of Nature Environmental Center at 618/453-1121 or by email at tonec@siu.edu.