Platform Index |
Vol 1:
1 |
Vol 2:
1
2
3
4 |
Vol 3:
1
2
3
4 |
Vol 4:
1
2
3
4 |
Vol 5:
1
2
3
4 |
Vol 6:
1
2
3
4 |
THE PLATFORM
-a publication of the Minnesota Knappers Guild-
Editor: Gene Altiere
4329 Peabody Ln.
Duluth, MN 55804
VOLUME 2, NO. 1
February, 1990
Welcome back to all
of you who received the first issue and a big hello to those of you who are just
joining us for the second issue.
If you are among those who have the Rendezvous spirit running through your
veins we say "bon jour" (if you're on the French side of the trade)
or "boozhoo" (if you're on the Ojibwey side ). Any way you want to
say it, "howdy" and welcome to the Minnesota Knappers Guild newsletter.
****
We're
not sure what makes organizations "official"
(unless it's paying some sort of state tax) but thus far, nobody has objected
to: (a) forming a knappers
organization, (b) calling it the Minnesota Knappers Guild or (c) sending out
a newsletter called "The Platform". We have received positive responses
from Tony Romano, Frank Bera, Jim Regan, Mark Signorelli and Nobel Isley.
Unless we hear some objections, it looks like the name of the organization and
newsletter will stand.
There is one more item the editor would like to
have you think about in regard to this fledgling organization. Can anyone out
there come up with an appropriate
logo for the Minnesota Knappers Guild? Send in your suggestions to the editor.
To
those of you who responded to the first newsletter with "thank
you", suggestions, names of people who would like to receive the newsletter,
information or encouragement - THANKS. To those of you who haven't responded
in any way - it would be nice to know if you like receiving the newsletter.
****
MARK
YOUR CALENDARS. As of this writing, the Second
Annual Knapin of the Minnesota
Knappers Guild will be held at the Northwest Fur Post in Pine City the weekend
of July 14-15, 1990. Details are sketchy right now but more information will follow
in the next (May) newsletter. For those of you who aren't familiar with
a knap-in, it represents a unique opportunity to socialize and knap (break bread
and break stone) with others who are interested in the art form. If your just
starting out, you'll gain months of experience in the hours you spend working
with more advanced knappers.
If your an experienced knapper, there's always the chance that you may see someone
doing something just a little different and it may improve your techniques.
****
For
those of you that have not yet worked with copper knapping
tools you will enjoy seeing the ones made and used by Jim Regan, 23107 ERSKIN
NE, BETHEL, MN 55005, (612) 462-5568. Jim will probably be at the knapin.
Come and watch him work. You may even be able to talk him into making you a set
of these beautiful tools at a
reasonable cost.
****
The forth and fifth issues of
"CHIPS" (Vol. 1, No. 4 and Vol. 2, No.1 ) came out since our last newsletter
was printed. For those of you who are into the more technical and archaeologic
aspect of knapping there was a super article by Iven Imel on Folsom point
fluting. We also enjoyed reading about the knap-ins being held around the
country and receiving more information on knapping material. We even got the name
of a potential new member from
a notice in "Chips". Vern Lauer, 109 E. Redwood, Marshall, Mn.,
56256 was looking for any knappers who lived near him. Howdy, Vern!
A copy
of our last issue's reading list has been included in the newsletter sent to
new names on our mailing list. The reading list includes information on how
to subscribe to "CHIPS". We recommend that you put this super periodical
high on your priority list for knapping literature.
****
The
editor's dear wife
is always looking out for him and recently presented him with a new book on projectile
points. Early Archaic Indian Points & Knives by Robert Edler illustrates,
describes and comments on a large number of the point types from that
specific time period. These points appear frequently in collections from the Central
States (Ohio to North Dakota and Kansas to Kentucky). It was during the
Early Archaic that some of the most beautiful flint artifacts were created by
prehistoric man. Each of the more
than forty point types described have been attractively illustrated by the
author and there are many photos to supplement the drawings. Both drawings and
photos have been produced as close to actual size as is practical. For the beginning
knapper the illustrations alone are worth the price of the book. For the
more experienced knapper or those interested in archaeology it makes a good
basic reference. It's an excellent, 120 page, paperback volume in the 8 1/2"
X 11" format and can be
ordered from COLLECTOR BOOKS, P.O. BOX 3009, PADUCAH, KENTUCKY 42002. Cost is
$14.95 plus shipping.
****
For you new knappers and for you
old timers who have been ignoring this advice, please remember to use a dust respirator
and goggles. The respirator is particularly important when working indoors
and the eye protection should be worn whenever you knap. Regular glasses
are better than nothing but they don't stop particles from entering from the
sides.
The major respiratory
concern is due to the fact that the process of knapping produces a significant
amount of silica dust. Without the respirator, we breath in a lot of this
dust and the danger of developing the lung disease known as silicosis is very
real. We here at "The Platform" have met a good number of you out there
and we'd like to have you around and healthy for a lot more years (otherwise
we won't be able to mooch as much stone).
****
Well
the price of the newsletter is
going to remain the same through this issue - FREE. It's still too new an idea
to decide if it's worth paying for. The editor will take any donations you may
care to make including stamps or finely executed points (smile). Seriously
though, we would appreciate the name and address of anyone you know who lives in
Minnesota or near the boarder of our state who may be interested in flintknapping.
The more people we can attract, the more input there will be to the newsletter
and the less you will have
to listen to the editor's rambling.
****
HELP! We need contributions
for the next newsletter. The editor knows who is on the mailing list
and there are people out there who know more about Minnesota archaeology, geology,
technical knapping and swapping lies than he could ever hope to know. PLEASE
take pity on "C minus" composition student and send in your comments,
articles etc. for publication.
****
Gene Altiere,
Editor
The
Platform
4329 Peabody Lane
Duluth, MN 55804