Moundville’s Knap-In Turns 20

UPDATE from UA’s Moundville Archaeological Park: 

The 20th annual Knap-In has been rescheduled for April 3-4. 

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama’s Moundville Archaeological Park will host the 20^th annual Knap-In March 13-14.

Flintknapping is one of man’s oldest crafts, and the stone tool-maker event will host flintknappers from around the nation. Knapping is the shaping of stone to stone tools such as arrow heads. Native Americans knapped stone arrow and spear points, knife blades, scrapers, drills and many other tools and weapons.

Bill Skinner will return to the weapons range to showcase ancient tools and weapons, including a demonstration of the use of an atlatl, a device used to propel a spear.

UA’s Office of Archaeological Research will be in front of the Jones Archaeological Museum March 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help the public identify personal artifacts.

“This would be a great way for everyone to bring their artifacts and have their specimens examined by professionals,” said Lindsey Gordon, education and outreach coordinator at Moundville Archaeological Park.

Saturday will also feature traditional drumming and singing by the Southern Pine Drum Group starting at 10 a.m. The group will also provide music for the Mystic Wind Choctaw Social Dancers.

Other activities include Native American pottery firing demonstrations by Tammy Beane. Mrs. Juanita’s Choctaw Kitchen will prepare traditional Native American fare throughout the weekend.

Children will be able to take part in a number of new make-and-take craft activities while the vendor’s market will appeal to all ages and include a variety of items.

The Knap-In is free with regular admission to the park. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors 55 years and older, $6 for children, and free to those under the age of five. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. UA’s Moundville Archaeological Park is 13 miles south of Tuscaloosa off Alabama Highway 69.