Basketmaker Style Spearthrower 13 Years On

Sunday, October 3, 2021 ~ George Crawford ~ Leave a comment

Here is an update on one of my favorite throwers. It was created one morning from a scrap of Osage Orange wood from the bow-making pile. The finger loops are rawhide. The style is a generalized Basketmaker/Great Basin but is probably a bit heavier than some of the originals as I throw darts that are probably heavier too. It works for me. It has no weight attached yet in the above photo but had one added later just for the “tradition”. It throws well; even with my heavy Paleo darts.

This small but efficient hook style has never let me down.

I really enjoy seeing how much the Osage orange wood has darkened over time to a beautiful depp color.

The weight is attached with pitch glue (that has somehow never failed yet) and lashed tight with sinew and hide glue.

The natural curve of this piece is perfect for me.

I wasn’t really sure if I was going to succeed with these loops but they have held up remarkably well.

The weight is a chunk of argillite from central Arizona.

This piece has made me think of longevity of simple tools. Since I made my first thrower in 1987 I have learned much from examination and experimentation. If I used it everyday, I’m certain it would be battered and possibly broken by now. When a spear thrower isn’t being used for its intended purpose, I suspect it would be a club, digging stick, reach pole, or any other purpose that a stick is used for.

Peddler’s Car 1930s

Wednesday, January 16, 2013Saturday, December 7, 2013 ~ George Crawford ~ 1 Comment

1930s:
Amanda Uren
Peddler’s Car, the Netherlands

Basketmaker-Anasazi sandals

Thursday, January 15, 2009Sunday, January 10, 2010 ~ George Crawford ~ 7 Comments

These are sandals constructed from the narrow-leaf yucca. These designs are based on specimens preserved in caves. These might not be much to look at but they are remarkably impervious to the many sines, spikes, and other poky things found in the deserts of the west. These are two and four warp designs and the yucca is only slightly processed. The leaves should be dried prior to use and then re-wetted just before weaving. This prevents the normal loosening associated with shrinkage during drying.