Ancient Technology
Hands On
A basic kit for making stone tools would have started with the stone to carve (left). A shell (top left) may have been used to grind the edge of the stone being worked. An antler hammer was used to strike off flakes.

The toe bone at the top, is from a deer. From it, smaller fish hooks were carved. The larger fish hooks are made from carved bone, tied to a piece of stick. The net gauge keeps the weave of the net the same.

This is a fishing kit. Can you find three sizes of fish hooks?

We have duplicated these artifacts, not to represent the original material, but to actually get the feel of what it was like to make them and use them.

We have, in no way, mastered the skill of the ancient people who made such beautiful tools. I imagine that our quality is closer to that of the children. But a very genunine understanding developes with effort and their use.