Flintknapping is the process of shaping flint, chert, obsidian or other high silica stones by chipping away material in a carefully controlled manner with special tools to produce sharp projectile points or tools. Only certain types of rocks can be used because a flintknapper must be able to predict where the rock will fracture upon impact. An arrowhead is formed by taking off one flake of material at a time, until a desired shape is reached. A variety of tools are used including hammer stones to remove large flakes and pressure flakers to remove narrow flakes along the edge of the rock. While Native Americans primarily used antler tines and wooden punches, modern knappers like myself often use copper-tipped tools. Native peoples worldwide honed the art of flintknapping over thousands of years. Countless stone projectiles and tools were produced from rudimentary tools to incredible works of art. The immense diversity of sizes, shapes, and colors produced by those ancient artisans is what inspires me in my work. I use a variety of materials from heat-treated stone to recycled glass to make arrowheads, dart points, and knives in many colors and forms. Some of my work are reproductions of ancient artifacts and some are simply art. I make arrowheads for hunting points, jewelry pendants and display.
