Making a Point: Knap-in Returns to UA’s Moundville Park

MOUNDVILLE, Ala. — Stone toolmakers, artists who work with primitive techniques, and technology specialists will demonstrate and sell their works at The University of Alabama’s Moundville Archaeological Park Friday, March 12—Sunday, March 14, at the 10th Knap-in and Primitive Arts Meet.

Knap-in hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m during each of the three days. Admission is $3 for students and $5 for adults.

Demonstrations include primitive fishing equipment, bow and arrow shooting and the atlatl, a spear-throwing device used before the introduction of the bow. Visitors can win prizes at Saturday’s raffle. Items donated by event participants include stone points and knives, raw materials, jewelry, flintknapping tools and T-shirts.

Knappers will teach visitors how to make their own arrow or spear point. A point contest is featured on Saturday. Four categories are judged by a professional archaeologist: youth, novice, intermediate and master. The contest is free, and new flintknappers are encouraged to join. Prizes include books, T-shirts, mugs and other Moundville souvenirs and are given for three places in each category. A best of show prize is also awarded.

Friday, March 12, is Kid’s Day. On Saturday, activities for children include rabbit stick and spear throwing, Indian football, corn grinding and shell necklace making. Rates for school groups are $3 a person. Teachers get in free.

Flintknapping, or chipping away at stones to make arrow and spear points, is one of humanity’s oldest crafts. Humans have chipped rocks into tools and weapons for thousands of years. Until Europeans came to the Americas, Native Americans knapped stone arrow and spear points, knife blades, scrapers, drills and many other tools and weapons.

Moundville is 13 miles south of Tuscaloosa off state Route 69. Phone 205/371-2234 for more information.