UA’s Moundville Park Hosts 14th Annual Knap-In

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama’s Moundville Archaeological Park invites the community to witness an ancient art during its largest spring event, the 14th annual Knap-In March 7-9.

Flintknapping is an ancient Indian technique for chipping stone into tools and weapons. In the last 20 years, this ancient art has been revitalized and is shared by hundreds of craftspeople called “knappers.” Knappers demonstrate, gladly teaching others their art, as they replicate stone tools from prehistoric times. This event is perfect for the history enthusiast or for those lovers of hunting, fishing and basic survival technologies.

Other skills, including making bows and arrows and carved stone objects, will also be demonstrated and taught at the park, which is operated by The University of Alabama Museums.

Until Europeans came to the Americas, Native Americans made stone arrow and spear points, knife blades, scrapers, drills and numerous other implements using antler and stone to knap certain rocks that break like glass—including flint, chert and obsidian. Flint and chert are commonly found in limestone deposits, and obsidian is a natural glass formed by volcanoes.

“The knap-in is a perfect way for people, young and old, to reconnect with their environment,” said Betsy Irwin, park education outreach coordinator. “We’ve been shopping at WalMart and grocery stores for so long that many of us have forgotten that everything we eat, drink, wear or somehow use has to come from Mother Earth. Most tribal people and all of the artists at the knap-in are in touch with their surroundings, much of their tools and supplies coming directly from the earth with little or no refinement.”

Walter Gowan, a former high school teacher and coach, will demonstrate how to make and use ancient fishing equipment while Chip Wente, a historian and prehistoric pottery buff, will discuss pottery and display ancient vessel replicas. Bill Skinner, Moundville’s resident expert on ancient tools and weapons, will provide instruction in knapping stone tools, as will professional knappers Guy Meador, Randy Beach, Ken Austin and Stanley Payne.

All tools, safety gear and rock needed to get new flintknappers started (or old flintknappers resupplied) will be available for purchase. And, there will be a huge variety of stone points, knives, wooden display cases and other handmade items for sale.

In addition to knappers, several Native American artists plan to exhibit their works at the event. Some of their works include baskets, shell carvings, decorated gourd containers and jewelry.

On March 7-8,  a children’s station is featured where kids can get their faces painted, grind corn, make crafts and play Native American games. The Knap-In runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 7-8 and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 9.

Moundville is located 13 miles south of Tuscaloosa off Alabama Highway 69. Park admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors 55 years and older and $6 for students. Children 5 years of age and younger and residents of Moundville are admitted free.