AINW Lithic Technology Workshops

“This workshop taught me beyond what I expected. It provided me with applied tools which have changed my perspective on debitage, and I am sure this will be valuable as part of my work in cultural resources management.” -Participant

Two-Day Lithic Technology Workshops (workshop date to be determined)

Custom AINW Workshops at your Facility

  • In addition to the workshops listed above which are taught at AINW’s facilities in Portland, Oregon, AINW can bring a workshop to you. Save travel expenses for your group and contact us to arrange for a custom AINW workshop that is tailored to your needs.

Objectives

These workshops are introductory courses in experimental stone tool production and lithic technological analysis. The workshops focus on learning how to apply flintknapping, pecking, and grinding experimentation results to interpretation of the archaeological record. The training emphasizes hands-on production and analysis of stone tools and their manufacture and maintenance. In each workshop, participants are taught several technologies and learn to recognize and identify the distinctive manufacturing products and by-products of each.

Format

Daily instruction alternates between flintknapping (or pecking and grinding) and identification and analysis of technologically diagnostic attributes of debitage and tools. During the workshop, each participant produces a study (comparative) collection of technologically diagnostic tools and flakes.

Venue

AINW facilities in Portland, Oregon, include a covered outdoor structure specifically designed for experimental lithic reduction and an adjacent indoor classroom and laboratory.

Manner of Teaching

Instructors provide demonstrations and participants receive instruction in groups and one-on-one, while learning to make stone tools. Small groups of participants analyze the experimentally produced tools and flakes (or other by-products) to identify the key diagnostic attributes. The instructors provide training in this process and guide participants in recognizing traits that distinguish technologies.

There are no prerequisites for participants apart from a willingness to perform flintknapping and lithic reduction work outdoors and to study lithic materials in a classroom/laboratory setting. Participants are evaluated on the basis of attendance; effort and improvement in flintknapping; participation in group activities; and quizzes.