The Osage Knap-In was held north of Wooldridge this past weekend. In its 25th year, the event has been held at an RV park near the intersection of Highway 70 and Highway 179 for the last 10 years.
Bob Hunt organizes the event at which those who have an interest in primitive weaponry and workmanship gather. The participants come from several states to demonstrate the various techniques of "flint knapping," making arrowheads, spear points, drills, and stone knives. In addition to showing off their techniques and products, there are also points, kits and some primitive-style weapons offered for sale. Hunt, known as "Big Flint" to the flint knap hobbyists, makes larger flint blades than usual. Many of his are representative of ceremonial blades which were used in dances and other ceremonial events rather than in hunting or battle. He also make blades similar to primitive Viking weaponry.
Mark Boswell, David City, Iowa, attends many of the events around the area. He demonstrated the making of small drill points and also had on display some of the stone axe heads that he has made in the past.
This year, the event was held in conjunction with the Central States Atlatl Championships. The atlatl is a very primitive weapon, likely the next step from spear throwing. It consists of a thrower about the length of the users arm, and a light spear called a dart. They were used to bring down mammoths and other smaller game possibly as long as 20,000 years ago. The atlatl dart is fletched with feathers, so it looks like a long arrow. Some of the darts have a detachable point, which sticks in the hunted animal, so the dart remains unbroken and can be reused. The thrower has a hook which fits in a small depression in the feathered end of the dart. The atlatl dart is slower than an arrow, but since it is about three times the weight, it can be a more effective weapons for big game, in the right hands. First, most of those who use longbows and atlatls have at least some input into the actual weapon used. The purists will make their own thrower and dart for the atlatl.
Some of those are interested in primitive weaponry because it allows them to connect with history and ancestors. It has also been said that it is a good idea to be able to make your own weapon and ammunition.