USD Archaeology Class Creates Stone Tools Using Ancient Technology
This process – known as flint knapping – involves shaping certain rock, such as flint, chert or obsidian into flaked or chipped stone tools. Prior to the use of metals, stone tools were commonly used to hunt, garden, build and more.
“Learning about stone tools that have been recovered at archaeological sites is a big part of a student’s archaeological education,” said Krus, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology. “Flint knapping provides a hands-on activity where students can experience this technology first-hand and learn what the ancient world was like.”
This in-class activity has sparked inspiration and archaeological passion in students. “I’ve worked with students that have taken up flint knapping as a hobby for understanding ancient technologies as well as those that have gone into archaeology careers,” said Krus, whose own research focuses on archaeological chronology and Native American history in the Plains, Eastern Woodlands and the Arctic.
In addition to flint knapping, students in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology have the opportunity to be a part of the Susan Tuve Archaeological Field School. Krus leads the students in archaeological digs throughout South Dakota’s Clay County to find and preserve remnants of the state’s history.
“Hands-on activities like flint knapping and archaeological digs, are a key part of our students’ experiences in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology,” said Krus. “It’s one thing to read about flint knapping in a textbook but learning by actually doing it is an entirely different experience.”
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