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"Modern knapping is clearly a folk art in the sense used by folklorists. It is a craft that embodies tradition, both an ancient tradition that it emulates and a shorter, more recent tradition as a historic craft".---2004, John C. Whittaker, "American Flintknappers," p.173.
Flintknappers seem to be able to flake their stone points and knives into every shape. The two twisted points pictured here were made by two skilled knappers, Woody Blackwell and "Swoose." These points would be considered normal (although skillfully done) if it wasn't for their contorted shape. Ancient points can be twisted from edge beveling or from a crooked flake. These points are pushing the twisting boundaries. |
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Both of these points have a twist in the blade but they were made by completely different techniques. One was made with pressure and the other by percussion flaking. The narrow pink point, made by "Swoose," was made with a buffalo horn pressure flaker and a leather pad for backing. The wider point was made by Woody Blackwell. It was made with percussion flaking and pressure trimming along the edges. |
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John Whittaker writes in his book "American Flintknappers" that "folklorists appreciate the work of flintknappers as folk art. But art historians are likely to regard stone tools with distain." He uses the example of hafted Egyptian Ripple Flaked Gerzean knives that some academicians believe are the finest flaked stone objects ever produced. The art historian will display and describe the engraved handles but will have little regard for the Gerzean knife blades they are attached to. It's an interesting argument---what is art? The two twisted points illustrated in this article can be seen as unique pieces of art----they really are enjoyable to look at. |
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"REFERENCES" 2004,
Whittaker, John C., "American Flintknappers," p.173. |
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