Tools & Weaponry of the Eastern Woodland People
Shane Rader came for Day 2 of our Voices of the Past event to share his vast knowledge of both tools and weaponry. Many examples he brought were tools that he has crafted himself or uses on a regular basis. There were multiple styles of arrows, including one without feathers and a very round wooden tip to skim across water to hunt duck and one commonly called a “bunny buster” in modern times to hunt animals like turkey. Multiple style of club and wonderful elaborations of history where he dispelled some misconceptions that the “gun stock style” of club came after English contact.
Not only did Shane have a pump drill, but he was able to turn an unfortunate event into a spectacular teaching opportunity. The copper bit that is used to drill holes into shells broke away from the drill shaft. He demonstrated how to turn dried sinew into a flexible string that would harden and glue the bit back into place.
He even had a decoy made from cattail leaves! It was explained how the decoys were constructed and then either painted or a duck skin would be stretched over the structure to lure ducks in while hunters waited in the reeds. Flint knapping demonstrations. Talks on fishing. Axes. Wampum. Leatherwork…there was literally something for everyone.
Jack Mcclung from the previous day and a friend, Bryce, were there to step in and help share their knowledge and similar experience. Everyone was captivated and had a wonderful time!
Some participants took him up on the offer to shoot the longbow. Others put effort towards using only primitive tools to make a gourd into a drinking vessel! The day was packed with so much information, it’s difficult to share it in a post so we’ll share the photos! It was an incredible event and we hope they are able to come back next year!
