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Join the Paleolithic and Make Your Own Stone Tools!

November 11, 2026

The Anthropology Department hosted its annual flintknapping workshop on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. Continuing a tradition that began in 2010, the event featured demonstrations by Barry Keagan, a specialist in lithic technology and early human craftsmanship.

Keagan guided participants through the production of Lower, Middle and Upper Paleolithic stone tools, crafting examples of Oldowan choppers, Acheulean handaxes, and Upper Paleolithic spear points. After, students got hands-on experience making their own tools.

The workshop drew a diverse crowd, including anthropology students, members of the undergraduate Anthropology Club, campuswide guests and community friends. The stone tools created during the session will be used as demonstration materials in upcoming archaeology classes.

People chip stone on a campus lawn; hands hold a black flake and a round stone; a group looks on.
From left to right: Barry Keegan (top) and Distinguished Professor Chris DeCorse guide students making stone tools; flint knapper Barry Keegan puts finishing touches on an Acheulean hand ax; Barry Keegan (left) flakes a stone tool as Chris DeCorse describes Paleolithic technologies.

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