Submitted by M. Jared Wood (woody@uga.edu)

Scott Jones and UGA students line up for a group atlatl toss.

Scott Jones teaching primitive skills.

The University of Georgia Student Association for Archaeological Sciences recently sponsored a day-long atlatl workshop with Scott Jones, primitive technologist and expert in atlatl manufacture and use.

On a beautiful October Saturday, twelve SAAS members and their faculty advisor, Jared Wood, gathered at Scott’s outdoor classroom at “The Woods” just northeast of Lexington, Georgia. Scott gave an exciting and engaging lecture on the history of the atlatl, from the Middle Paleolithic to modern times, then led the group in constructing and using atlatls and darts.

Everyone had a great time (thanks, Scott!) learning some primitive skills and taking aim at some cardboard quarry.

For those SGA members and affiliates out there who aren’t familiar with Scott’s work, please visit his Media Prehistoria website online here. Scott teaches several classes on primitive skills to a wide range of age groups, and also has a wonderful book available for those interested in trying their hand at home: A View to the Past: Experience and Experiment in Primitive Technology, available for order online.

Scott’s book on primitive technology was very favorably reviewed by Tom Gresham on this website. Click on any of the thumbnails below to enlarge the picture; then you can click through the whole photo gallery.
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Posted online on Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011