A Wenatchee flute theory

Just how were the Wenatchee style points fluted? There has been much discussion on this topic. Was direct percussion used, or indirect percussion with a punch, or were they pressured with some sort of jig?

Bill has a theory. Could a simple tool used for another purpose by the people of that time actually have a dual function? That being the atlatl spear throwing stick. Could an atlatl be used as a support device for direct percussion fluting, helping to stabilize the point, remove stress from the point and allow for adjustment in hand movements to vary striking angles. All of which allow for more successful fluting with less breakage. Bill thought it was a possibility, so he designed a similar device and it has worked very well. He has successfully fluted on both sides of seven points at this time with a 90% success rate, with points ranging from 6-7 1/4 inches in length.

Bill's next goal is to flute one around 9 inches long with similar width/length and flute dimensions as the Wenatchee style artifacts.

Below are pictures of his apparatus and points produced using it.

Here is a link to a discussion of this topic on the Paleo Planet web forum. http://paleoplanet69529.yuku.com/topic/39994/t/A-Wenatchee-flute-theory.html



This is his first design.















This shows how the point is attached and secured with rope to the device. Leather padding can be used to adjust the point up/down and outwards for various striking angles.
















This shows how the point is struck to remove the flute.













This is a second more modern design which allows for adjustment of the point without having to use padding. This just makes the process easier and faster for the modern knapper. This device is around 12 inches long.














The platform where the end of the point is placed is adjustable with a wing nut.











This shows how the point is struck to remove the flute using this device.













One of the fluted points using this method. Bill has left the nipple on the point so it can be seen. This particular flute is deep and wide. The flute dimensions can be changed by changing the nipple platform and the convex in the point.















The same fluted point showing the flute spalls removed from both sides. This point is right at 7 1/4 inches long.












Some of the various points made using this method. All of them have been fluted on both sides.

From Copper to Antler

While at the Flint Ridge knapin, we decided to try an experiment, that as far as we know hasn't been done before. After seeing Ed Mosher, make an 8.5/1 W/T ratio from one of Bill's copper billeted glass preforms on his first try with a moose billet. Bill decided with Ed's agreement, to make a preform more to Ed's liking while using a copper billet. Ed instructed Bill as he went, on what kind of platforms he preferred for his moose billet. Once Ed was happy with the preform, he finished the blade with his moose. He ended up getting a blade with an average W/T ratio of 10.3/1! Not bad for only the second blade Ed had made from this glass.

Bill said the biggest difference he noticed in the platforms that Ed preferred for the moose compared to what Bill would do normally set for copper was the platforms were much thinner. Both Ed and Bill seemed very intrigued with the experiment, getting into some deep discussions on platforms. Bill has never used much antler and was very impressed with what Ed could do with it and Bill certainly learned a lot.


Below are some pictures, first Ed watching and instructing Bill on preferred platforms, then Bill
watching Ed's moose antler work at Tom Chissum's booth.


































Below is the finished blade, like I said, W/T of 10.3/1 on second try, nice work Ed! Not to mention that Bill felt if he had gotten a few better platforms set for Ed, he could have done better.

This blade is now in Sweden!

This blade has a score of 793 using the Modern Flintknapping Scoring System. For more info. on the scoring system check out http://www.modern-flintknapping.com/grading-system.html