Atlatl Information, Sticks and Stones, Primitive Hunter Gathering, With Emphasis on How To Make and Use An Atlatl, by Bob Berg
My “Down to Earth Survival Skills Using the Atlatl Course” contains information on how an atlatl is made. I talk about pre-atlatl weapons such as thrusting spears and thrown spears and how they were made and used. I cover the topic of how to make a dart point from stone, bone, copper, steel and shell. I also talk about how an atlatl is constructed out of natural materials that can be gleaned from nature. I discuss how to make darts from several different materials such as split wood, cane and tree shoots. I use a hands on approach and teach you how to make an atlatl using mostly flint and bone tools. My atlatl dart construction discussion will lead you down the path to achieving excellent results without having to start from scratch with a lot of experimentation that I have already gone through myself over the years.
My method of teaching is low-key and hands-on. I prefer to teach in areas where natural materials can be found at hand which is just about anywhere where there are trees, stones and water. It is always good (but not necessary) to locate my classes in areas where I may actually engage in hunting or fishing. I encourage my students to seek out and find venues where this can be done legally and ethically; including obtaining all necessary licenses and permits.
I tend not to talk down to people but prefer treating them as equal peers in an on going process of learning and experimenting with our inborn primitive humanity. When I teach you how to use your atlatl I will cover the topic of how to reach your primal instincts and exploit them to your own great advantage that you can put to use in hunting and fishing with the atlatl, or in using it for target sports.
I like to relate what I teach to what is found in archaeology. I will lay before you my observations about the atlatl and put to rest a lot of “myth” about the atlatl. I have definite ideas in these areas but I will discuss the other points of view also. In my Atlatl Curriculum Vitae I will avail my students of my entire life’s work in the fields of experiential and experimental archaeology.
I consider my class as being a kind of prehistoric art study where the student reaches into him/her self for the primitive expression of our humanity in the work that we endeavor to create, whether it be a fine stone tool, a length of cordage, or a meal of a fish caught with an atlatl and cooked over a fire started by friction. In the primitive earth skills camp we set up in your chosen location we will live for a time as our ancestors utilizing whenever we can, the things that nature prepares for us.
Though it is not very primitive I encourage my students to bring cameras and keep them ready for any opportunity to record our activities. I usually don’t cover the topics of deer hide tanning, primitive archery,
Cultural or social anthropology, the making of primitive clothing, but I am well versed in those subjects and can speak fluently on the subjects.
I do however do hands on cordage making, fire by friction, flintkapping, woodworking with stone tools, and primitive food preparation. Rather than centering my discussions on Native American culture I work with a more general whole world primitive theme, so no matter what your cultural heritage I will be discussing your ancestors.
Whether our venue includes survival tool making or other
Survival techniques like atlatl deer hunting, fishing, shooting an ISAC, stump shooting or just a plain old primitive campout, you will get a lot from my classes. Classes are best if they have more than 5 students but less than ten. I charge $500.00 per day plus travel and material expenses. I am highly adaptable and will work with you to come up with a good program wherever it may be.