Before the Bow and Arrow: Atlatl Workshop @ Institute for American Indian Studies

When people think of Native American hunting tools, bows, and arrows are among the first things that spring to mind, and with good reason.  Just about every Native American community had some form of a bow and arrow. 

Before the bow and arrow, Native Americans, along with people from many other cultures worldwide used something called an Atlatl for hunting and fishing.  Essentially an atlatl is a dart thrower that allows hunters to throw a dart or arrow farther and faster then by hand alone.   To learn more about this ancient technology and to make and throw your own atlatl, The Institute for American Indian Studies is hosting a very special workshop,  Atlatl Workshop with Susan Scherf, on May 11 from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

The Workshop

If you like to make things with your hands and test your skills, then this workshop is for you. Participants in the atlatl workshop will learn about the history and different designs of this useful ancient tool that was used by Native Americans as well as by a multitude of cultures around the world. Under the guidance of IAIS Educator, Susan Scherf, participants will learn about the different designs of the atlatl before making their own. 

The fun really begins with learning how to use your newly made atlatl and seeing how much farther your dart goes.  The atlatl session ends with a friendly atlatl throwing competition.   If you become an atlatl fan, you just might end up competing in atlatl competitions that are held throughout the world!

This workshop is $5 for members of the Institute and $15 for non-members. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. To reserve your spot call 860-868-0518 or email general@iaismuseum.org.

About the Atlatl

An atlatl is one of humankind's first mechanical inventions that preceded the bow and arrow in most parts of the world. Basically, an atlatl is a type of lever that was used to throw a spear farther and faster towards the quarry. The word atlatl comes from the Nahuatl language of the Aztecs who were using them when the Spanish arrived in the 1500s.

According to the World Atlatl Association, early people in the Americas used atlatls to hunt mammoths and mastodons around 11,000 years ago. Much later, a variety of atlatl types were used in different parts of North America. 

Atlatls continued to be used alongside bows and arrows by many Native Americans after the introduction of the bow.

Typically the projectile point or spear point was made of stone such as chert using a process known as flint knapping. The point was attached to a wooden shaft made of hardwood such as ash, hickory, oak, cedar, walnut or birch.

In time, an atlatl weight was added to the spear thrower as a counter-balance. Weights became more stylized and ornate using fine stone like banded slate to make each piece a unique work of art.

Birdstone weight for an atlatl

About The Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS)

Located on 15 woodland acres the IAIS preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs.  We have an outdoor replicated 16th c. Algonkian Village and Wigwam Escape and a Museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.

Medicinal Monday - Alfalfa

Alfalfa is native to Asia and didn't reach North America until the 1860s.  Today this plant is grown from Maine to Virginia and westward to the Pacific coast.  Today, alfalfa is grown all over the world and is particularly important in regard to Chinese and Native American medicinal uses.

About Alfalfa

Alfalfa's official name is Medicago Sativa.  It is a flowering plant that is part of the pea family.  Alfalfa is a perennial herbaceous plant with two stems, one has three leaflets, the other five.  The flowers are violet-bluish in color and bloom from June through August.  It spreads by its' powerful root system that can absorb nutrients as far as 125 feet below the surface of the earth.  The plant resembles its' cousin, clover.  Alfalfa seed production requires the presence of pollinators and the western honey, leafcutter, and alkali bees are the most common pollinators when this plant is in bloom.

Medicinal and Culinary Uses

Native Americans quickly adapted alfalfa for human use as well as to feed animals. It was cultivated as an important forage crop and used for grazing and, also as livestock fodder.

Medicinally, the leaves of this plant that are rich in minerals and Vitamins B, C, E, and K were used as a tonic to treat digestive problems.  It was also used to treat jaundice and to promote blood clotting.  The Costanoan used a poultice of heated alfalfa leaves to treat earaches.

Did You Know...

Alfalfa was discovered by the Arabs that called this plant "The Father of All Foods."

Alfalfa sprouts are a common ingredient in South Indian cuisine.

In the 16th century, Spanish colonizers introduced alfalfa to the Americas as fodder for their horses.

Originally alfalfa was called "lucerne" when introduced in the 18th century to the colonies of the eastern United States.

In the United States, California, Idaho, and Montana are the biggest producers of alfalfa today.

Medicinal Monday... Cat's Foot...a useful herb!

This herbaceous perennial plant was introduced to North America from Europe around 1672 and is commonly known as ground ivy.  It has many other names including cat's foot, gill over the ground, field balm, run away robin, and alehoof.  This herb is common in North America and found in just about every state including Connecticut.  Native Americans found several uses for this herb adding it to their culinary and medicinal practices.

About Cat's Foot
This herb is a perennial evergreen creeper belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae.  It can be identified by its round fan-shaped leaves with round tooth edges that are attached to square stems that are covered in fine bristly hairs. This herb thrives in moist shaded areas, but can also tolerate the sun. The small bluish-violet flowers cluster in threes and usually bloom April - June.  The herb spreads by rhizomatous and forms dense mats that can be found in the woodlands and on lawns, and considered invasive by some. When the ivy is bruised, it emits a distinctive minty odor because it is a member of the mint family.

Medicinal Uses

The dried plant and crushed leaves were used to make medicine. Many Native American communities used an infusion of the leaves of this plant to treat colds. The medicinal use of ground ivy was especially favored by the Cherokee.  Another use of this herb was dermatological in nature.  The leaves of this plant were infused and the liquid was used to treat hives and rashes in babies, and to treat measles. 

The young leaves of this plant were eaten raw or cooked like spinach and added to stews.  Older leaves would be dried and used as an herbal tea.

Did you Know...

This herb was used by the Saxons and the English before the introduction of hops in brewing ale as a flavoring and preservative.

Gelechoma Hederacea has been used in traditional medicine of Europe for centuries from the treatment for sore eyes, kidney diseases and indigestion to treating coughs and congestion.

A great quantity of the leaves of this herb is toxic to horses and cattle.

Gelechoma Hederacea is Greek and can be roughly translated to Pennyroyal Ivy.

A study in 1986 found that Ground Ivy's ursolic and oleanolic acids inhibit the Epstein-Barr virus.

True Love - Celebrating Wolves & Earth Day – April 20 Institute for American Indian Studies

Native American beliefs, symbols, and stories are passed down from generation to generation as part of a tribe's cultural heritage and their connection to all things in the natural world.  Wolves are one of the most sacred and important animals because they are associated with courage, leadership, bravery, and loyalty. 

The Institute for American Indian Studies on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut is hosting a very special program, Wild Wolves of North America, April 20, 2019, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. This riveting program will celebrate Earth Day, wolf conservation, and the heritage that Native Americans share with wolves.

Native Americans learned many important lessons from these highly intelligent pack animals.  Wolves mate for life, have a strong and affectionate sense of family, hunt together, and die for each in order for the pack to survive.  It is no wonder this noble animal is honored. The wolf is a totem or traditional spiritual animal guide of the Mohican, Ojibwa, and Abenaki; and is revered as part of their ancestry. In the creation story of the Ojibwa, wolves are described as family members.

This program begins with a traditional Native American story told by Professional Native American Storyteller and Education Coordinator of the Institute, Darlene Kascak, Schaghticoke. Afterward, participants will join staff from the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem, New York, for a special presentation on North America’s wildest residents: wolves. Participants will learn about the history, ecology, biology, and the challenges of survival and recovery wolves face today.  A program highlight is the live stream of wolves residing at the Conservation Center that adds to the excitement and a more meaningful understanding of these noble animals.

The cost of this presentation that includes admission to the Institute for American Indian Studies is $10 for Adults,  $8 for Seniors, $6 for Children, and free admission for members of the Institute.  For questions (860) 868-0518 or general@iaismuseum.org. 

About The Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS)

Located on 15 woodland acres the IAIS preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs.  We have an outdoor replicated 16th c. Algonkian Village, Wigwam Escape Room, Museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut