[Anthsoc] Experimental Archaeology at Crawford Lake

[Anthropology Society]

Hey everyone,

Do you like archaeology? Are you interested in pre-contact Iroquoian
culture? Did you miss out on our Flint Knapping workshop opportunity?
Then come join AnthSoc on our trip to Crawford Lake to participate in
some Earth Skills workshops!

Crawford Lake features a re-constructed 15th century Iroquoian
longhouse village, which has been made to resemble its interpreted
appearance from 550 years ago. Students will enjoy a tour of this
village, which has also been designed as a living history museum, and
then participate in some “Earth Skills” or experimental archaeology
workshops!

Activities include, but are not limited to: flint knapping (perhaps
using obsidian), traditional fire-starting (with flints and the bow
drill), real hide tanning, and basket making. All activities are done
using materials found in nature, and will be led by two experienced
Crawford Lake park staff. Some activities will be quite messy (the
hide-tanning is not for the faint-hearted) while others will be quite
exciting (such as traditional fire-starting, which has unusually
explosive results). We highly recommend anyone to come out who is
interested in experimental archaeology or survival skills!

In addition to the village tour and Earth Skills workshops, the trip
will include a viewing of some of the site’s real artifact
collections. The park also has a gift shop and beautiful Niagara
Escarpment scenery.


The trip will take place on SATURDAY, MARCH 5th. We will meeting by
the Turnkey Desk in the SLC at 10am and should be returning to
Waterloo by 3:30 in the afternoon. Students can bring their own
lunches, but we may just order a pizza. The exact cost of the event
hasn’t been determined yet, but will range between $10 and $12
depending on if we get obsidian for flint knapping.

Please RSVP to this event by WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30th. We will be
carpooling, so any volunteer drivers will be greatly appreciated. The
directions to Crawford Lake are very straightforward, and AnthSoc will
pay for your gas money.

We recommend you to RSVP quickly as space is limited! Let us know if
you will be needing a ride or can provide one.

Cheers,

AnthSoc


P.S: Please note that all activities featured in this event are based
on the interpretations of archaeologists, historical writings, and the
narratives of First Nations elders.