One of the major focuses of the Archaeology module in the Turkana Basin is the use of stone tools in pre-historical times. Oldowan and Acheulean stone tool technologies were collectively prevalent for millions of years; Now it was time for our modern day students to try their hand at reliving their ancient ancestors´ ways of life.
While at Nariokotome the students collected phonolite and rhyolite as the raw materials for the next week, as well as Basalt and Quartz to use as hammerstones to create their masterpieces.
During the final week, the students knapped their own stone tools following minimal instruction. Dr. Sonia Harmand left them to their own devices and, using only a short video as a guide, the students still managed to perform remarkably well at constructing their own tools.
Group photo of the students knapping their tools
Some of the materials were too large, so several students had to break them into smaller bits.
Lorraine and Evelyn shape their tools
The students work hard at creating the perfect stone tools
The men of the field school knap their stone tools, like their forebears did
Students knap and Derrick shows off his handaxes
After knapping the tools required for preparing meat, the students took them to the butchering site where a dead goat was waiting for them.
The students, with the help of Francis and the kitchen staff, skinned and disembowelled the carcasses in preparation for the evening´s barbecue and celebration.
Derrick helps Francis skin the goat
Isaiah gives Kristle, Lucy, and Luisa some butchering pointers
The students skin their future meal
Francis shows the students how to butcher a goat
And thus, the field school comes to a close. The students enjoyed the barbecue and are sadly packing their bags to go home. After 10 amazing weeks, it was time for the students to return to their home lives to tell their families and friends about their exciting adventures in Turkanaland!
