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DAN THEUS
A MODERN DAY FLINTKNAPPER
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COPYRIGHT JANUARY 31, 2007 PETER A. BOSTROM
Dan Theus flintknapping, abstract image.
DAN THEUS FLINTKNAPPING
HORSE CREEK CHERT CLOVIS POINT

    Dan began flintknapping in the early 1990's when he met Virgil Tonn at an artifact show in Texas. But he says the person who was most helpful was Gene Stapleton. Gene is a long time knapper who specializes in flake-over-grinding technology. Dan says Gene is the one person who set him on a path that eventually developed into his current flintknapping skills.

Large Cumberland point made by Dan Theus.
CUMBERLAND POINT
WITH CHANNEL FLAKE
DAN THEUS COLLECTION

    This is the largest Cumberland point that Dan Theus has made to date and one of the largest that has ever been made. Both of the restored channel flakes can be seen in this picture. They are longer than the finished point because they overshot the tip of the point. The original preform measured 11 1/2 inches (29.2 cm) long but the finished point was somewhat reduced in length by the overshot fluting.  This Cumberland point is made of hornstone and it measures 9 3/4 inches (24.7 cm) long, 2 3/16 inches (5.6 cm) wide and 7/16 inch (1.1 cm) thick.

    Dan Theus's signature points are Clovis and Cumberland points. These are the ones he likes to make the most. He can be seen making them at several of the knap-ins around the country. He likes to attend the larger events like Flint Ridge, New York, Maxdale and several others.

Clovis point made by Dan Theus.
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CLOVIS POINT
MADE BY DAN THEUS
 DAN THEUS COLLECTION

   This beautiful Clovis point was made by Dan Theus. The colorful material is Horse Creek chert from Alabama. This point measures 4 7/8 inches (12.3 cm) long.

    Dan's points stand out, especially his Clovis points. They are very uniformly and thinly flaked and are made from some of the most beautiful and expensive stone. The materials illustrated in this article include fulgurite (lightening struck sand), red Carnelian agate, agatized coral, hornstone, Pedernales chert, Horse Creek chert, purple amethyst sage agate, Flintridge, petrified wood, Alabates, and a fancy & rare type of glass.

Five Cumberland points made by Dan Theus.
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CUMBERLAND POINTS
MADE BY DAN THEUS
DAN THEUS COLLECTION

    These five Cumberland points were all made by Dan Theus. Each one is made of a different type of chert. The small point on the left is made of Buffalo River chert and the next one to it is made of Rainy Buttes chert. The center point is made of Carter Cave chert. The point in the center measures 6 5/16 inches (15.1 cm) long.

    Dan Theus is also known for his ability to make some of the largest and most skillfully made Cumberland points. An example illustrated in this article measures 9 3/4 inches long and it's fluted to the tip on both sides. The preform measured 11 1/2 inches (29.2 cm) before it was fluted. He uses a mechanical fulcrum jig to pressure off the flutes. Dan can also make many other of the more difficult to copy ancient stone artifacts such as Danish daggers with stitched handles and large Mayan eccentrics with the large central holes. He is also the first person that started making the large style "spiky" Pine Tree points.

Three Clovis points made by Dan Theus.
PRIVATE COLLECTION
CLOVIS POINTS
MADE BY DAN THEUS
PRIVATE COLLECTION

    These three glassy looking Clovis points were made by Dan Theus. The ghostly looking point on the left is made of opalized glass. The one in the center is made of red Carnelian agate and the point on the right is made of fulgurite which is a material that is formed by lightening striking sand. The opalized and Carnelian agate points both measure 5 inches (12.7 cm) long.

    Dan Theus's flintknapping skill and his choice of beautiful stone is a combination that can't be beat. He is producing some of the finest modern lithic art pieces that has been seen in recent years. His finely crafted work will undoubtedly continue to turn up in quality collections and museum displays.

"REFERENCES"

2003, Chips staff, "Chips," vol. 15, # 1, p. 6.
2007
, Personal communications with Dan Theus.

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