Knapping is the process of chipping and flaking stone to create an edged tool. This was used by native ancestors to make hide scrapers, arrowheads, spear points, cutting knives, and drill points. Because this skill was necessary for survival, the boys from the tribe would be taught from a young age how to create points of their own. In today’s world, we have supplemented these skills with the availability of factory made tools that can be easily purchased.
Though the skill isn’t necessary for survival in the modern world, that doesn’t mean that the art of knapping has died out. Most local powwows include a knapper who performs demonstrations or has a booth with modern knapped points for sale. One development that has evolved from these modern knappers, is the change in materials. Commercial glass, like the piece featured above, is commonly used. It flakes in similar ways to obsidian but is not nearly as expensive as the exquisite volcanic glass.