Programs and Events

Native Lifeskills
Spring Weekend Workshops

Especially designed for outdoorsmen and nature lovers, native lifeskill workshops are open to adults and children ages 12 and up. Each workshop meets at Moundville Archaeological Park and runs from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. These are great father and son classes!!! All you need to bring is your lunch. For more information on these and other programs, call Monique Billeaud or Betsy Gilbert at (205) 371-8732. If you want to register, print out a registration form and send it in!

- Atlatls and Spear Throwing
Derived from the Aztec word, an atlatl is a spear throwing apparatus first used by cave men almost 18,000 years ago! Expert Bob Berg (Thunderbird Atlatl, Candor, NY) takes you through the step-by-step process of making and using this amazingly accurate weapon. When you’re through you’ll take your own handmade atlatl and three darts home. Class limited to 10 students.

- Basic Lifeskills
What can you do with two rocks, a deer bone, two pieces of wood or a strip of plant fiber? We’ll show you how Native Americans made tools, weapons, fire and rope using the above materials. Students also take a nature tour of Moundville Archaeological Park, learning about native plants and animals important to Southeastern Indians. Class limited to 15 students.

- Beginning Flintknapping
Flintknapping is the art of making arrow and spear points (and much more) from rocks that break like glass. Knapper Mike Gilbert (Moundville, AL) guides you through this remarkable technology that has recently resurged as a modern art form. Learn different methods of rock reduction using both ancient and modern tools. When you’re through you’ll take home a starter’s tool kit, some knappable stone, at least one arrowhead and a growing fascination. Class limited to 8 students.

- Hide Tanning
From start to finish, Rodney Windham (Windham’s Native Crafts, Fulton, MS) discusses and demonstrates a number of techniques used to tan animal hides. Students turn rawhide to brain tanned leather. Everyone gets a piece of the finished product. Time and interest permitting, we’ll make a leather medicine pouch. Class limited to 10 students.

Registration forms

in .doc format (can open with Microsoft Word, etc.)
in .pdf format (must have Adobe Acrobat Reader - click here for a free copy)