Make Magazine published an article last fall in its Kit issue about our atlatl kits and how they worked. They asked us if they could review the kits last summer for the article. The review appeared in the magazine’s Siege and Ballistics Kits section.
Here’s a You Tube video showing our Kanakadea kit being used. The section about the our atlatl kit starts at about 4:58 if you don’t want to watch the entire video!
Here is a link to an interesting article by Dr. John c. Whittaker, Ph.D, You can check the article out here. by Dr. John C. Whittaker, Ph.D, about the atlatl’s place connecting the academic world of archaeology with the public in a fun and fascinating way. This article takes the atlatl out of the museum closet and places it in the hands of those who see it as a recreational implement.
John is a teacher at Grinnell College and also the coach of the Raging Cows, the world’s first collegiate atlatl team. I enjoyed this article because I was pleased to have supplied John with a recreational atlatl and a set of darts many years ago when I first met him at the Stone Tool Craftsman Show at Letchworth State Park in upstate New York. I think I lit an ember at that time that John blew into a raging flame. ~Bob Berg
The Atlatl made it to the Top Shot program on March 20 on the History Channel! The show used our favorite primitive weapon for an elimination round. The show did a nice job of presenting the atlatl to the contestants and setting up the target range.
The contestant who won the elimination round had never seen the atlatl before but managed to figure out a technique that won the round for him!
We know the atlatl is a lot of fun in competition so it was nice to see the show finally using it for a competition. Next time, maybe they can try the Aztec Atlatl Battle game or try some of the targets used at Silver Springs State Park for a little variety!
In the photo below, Silver River State Park set up a great atlatl range with a few different creatures earlier this month!
The Thunderbird Atlatl staff had a great time in Florida. We were unable to make the Ochlockonee River State Park, Sopchoppy, Fl. show because of a vehicle problem but were able to make it to the Silver River Knap In and Stone Age Arts Festival. Scott Mitchell and staff at Silver River are developing a great program for flintknappers and atlatlists.
The atlatl range was busy for three days. Hundreds of youth and older folks had a chance to try the atlatl. We look forward to next year’s shows!
After leaving Silver River, we traveled north to the Gainesville area where Bob Berg presented a workshop on atlatls for a group of youth and adults at Grace Methodist Church and the Florida Outdoors Ministry. Then it was on to meet Wayne and Carita Wall of Shadd Deer Farms of Lake Butler, Florida.. The Walls run a great operation and have lots of opportunities for anyone interested in atlatl hunting.
Thunderbird Atlatl will be at Silver River Knap In and Stone Age Arts Festival March 3 & 4. We had a slower than anticipated trip to Florida due to some car problems but we are back on the road again! If you need to reach us, try our cell phones at 607-743-4379 or 607-222-9873. Here’s where we will be this weekend:
Atlatlists practice casting darts in New York last fall. This weekend Florida atlatlists will have a chance to cast darts at the Silver River Knap-in
March 3 & 4
SILVER RIVER KNAP-IN AND STONE AGE ARTS FESTIVAL
Silver River State Park
SILVER RIVER KNAP-IN AND STONE AGE ARTS FESTIVAL
Silver River State Park
Date: March 3-4, 11 am – 4 pm
Description:
This weekend event will feature flint knappers from across the Southeast making stone tools like Native Americans did thousands of years ago. Other artists and crafters will demonstrate how bows and arrows are made, hide-tanning, pottery manufacture and firing, tomahawk throwing and other skills. Vendors will sell replica stone tools, food and other creations. Archery and atlatl dart throwing demonstrations will take place each day. Admission $5.00 per person; children under 6 free. Active military free with ID. Park entry fee and parking are free. Flint knappers and vendors interested in participating should contact Scott Mitchell at (352)236-5401.
Fees: $5.00 per person; park entry fee waived
Contact: Deborah.Wilson@dep.state.fl.us
Directions:
Silver River State Park is located east of Ocala, 1 mile south of S.R. 40 on S.R. 35. From Interstate 75, take exit 352 onto SR 40 east, about 9 miles to SR 35. From Interstate 95 take exit 268 to Route 40 west, about 60 miles to SR 35.