Understanding the terminology and technological processes of stone tool production can be a complicated business. This three hour workshop is designed to give beginners a structured experience of making a stone tool. Glass is used for this exercise because it provides blanks of a consistent form. This allows the management of a predictable set of problems within the allotted three hours. Working through the process together means that everyone leaves with (something approaching) a Bronze Age arrowhead, and this makes for a very satisfying outcome. However, the real 'take away' for participants is the practical experience and understanding of the production process. A hard hammer is used for blank production, soft antler hammer for blank thinning, and a copper pressure flaker for platform production and invasive flaking. For anyone interested in archaeology or prehistory this experiential approach can compliment the normal text and artefact based understandings of the past. Primarily though it provides a really engaging 'way in' to what I find to be a fascinating topic.
Feedback: University of Manchester
“John contributed to three sessions relating to a third year module on studying prehistoric stone tools. His approach focused upon ‘learning through making’ and it enabled the students to engage with the artefacts in a different way from the one they encounter in the literature. His approach and ability to inspire students brought a valuable and new dimension to the module. I hope that the practical side of stone tool technology becomes a key part of studying the subject here at Manchester” Dr Elizabeth Healey, Honorary Research Fellow (Archaeology).