New Fairfield Bay resident, Mark Gray, led a presentation on the art and craft of “Flint Knapping” at the Community Education Center where examples of his collection were on display during the month of October. He recently relocated to Fairfield Bay from the southwest, and has been an avid collector and creator of Indian arrowheads for over 30 years.
Flint Knapping is described as “the shaping of flint, chert, obsidian or other conchoidal fracturing stone through the process of lithic reduction to manufacture stone tools, strikers for flintlock firearms, or to produce flat-faced stones for building or facing walls, and flushwork decoration.” The original Germanic term “knop” meant strike, shape, or work. Interest in this subject has grown so popular that some institutions are now offering degree programs in Lithic Technology.
The Ozark Mountains of Arkansas are abundant in pre-historic relics and artifacts as these bluff shelters were occupied over thousands of years by indigenous peoples who used the natural rock outcroppings as ceremonial shelters. Mark said that he is excited to be in such a rich environment for investigation.
He also stated that “Flint Knapp Ins” occur all over the nation and some weekend gatherings can attract thousands of crafters who set up tents and pavilions and demonstrate how they use their tools to work rough rock material into finely honed arrowheads and spear tips. Mark believes that Fairfield Bay is a prime location to host one of these events.
The Community Education Center is developing more programs based around the natural uniqueness of our Indian Rock Cave (called the Edgemont Shelter on the National Registry of Historic Places) and is partnering with the Arkansas State Historic Preservation Office, the Archeological Department of the University of Arkansas, the Arkansas Archeological Society and the National Park Service to improve access to and information about the local area.
For more information about Flint Knapping, Indian Rock Cave or programs at the Education Center please visit our facebook page: FFB Community Education Center.
For more information about Bluff Shelter of the Arkansas Ozarks please visit their website at: Archeology.uark.edu.