Allen Denoyer and Karen Schollmeyer, Preservation Archaeologists
The end of our students’ first full week in camp coincided with World Atlatl Day (June 7). This summer, field school students are rotating through experiences in experimental archaeology, as well as the more traditional excavation and survey course components. They have been working hard making their own atlatls and darts using traditional methods.
They’re also enthusiastically practicing their throwing technique—a good way to unwind after a day in the hot sun excavating a test unit or mixing adobe for our reconstructed Salado-style room. We may have a pretty good atlatl team by the end of the field season!
There is an annual atlatl competition at Valley of Fire State Park near Las Vegas, NV in May. Come try it.