Prehistory Day was successful, due to an excellent turnout, helpful volunteers, and great weather. A special thanks goes out to the members of Mu Alpha Nu and their friends for helping out again this year. Nearly 300 people turned out for the event which lasted all day with people trickling in until we closed at 5:00.
Chuck Hannaford discusses prehistoric tools and lifeways with interested visitors.
Mary Weahkee demonstrates traditional yucca fiber working.
Demonstrations included fiber working, sandal making, flintknapping, and hunting techniques used by ancestral New Mexicans. Discussions ranged from general archaeology to gourd canteens, stone tools, and prehistoric containers.
Tommy Heflin teaches flintknapping to people of all ages and abilities.
The Portales flintknapping group, headed by Tommy Heflin, were a popular station at the event, helping create a new generation of flintknappers.
Everyone is attracted to the spear throwing range. Isaiah Coan from the Office of Archaeological Studies was a great help with the kids.
The “touch-and-feel” tables create many opportunities for learning about the past and what it means to be human.
From the abstract concept of “containers” as an artifact, a local boy learns about prehistoric life.
Stacey Bennett shows her poster display created for the event.
We hope to keep the public outreach events a regular occurrence at Blackwater Draw. Keep your eyes on the blog for future activities.
Kids of all ages can get in touch with the past at these events. Hope to see you here next year.
