A Demonstration of Microblade Manufacture and Hafting Techniques
- Nick Waber
Microblades are very sharp stone blades produced from a specially-prepared core. They are an efficient use of material, and an exceptionally versatile and portable technology. They were common throughout much of the prehistoric Northwest Coast, yet the use of microblades died out before the beginning of the late period. Their makers and users employed a variety of manufacture and hafting strategies. We will demonstrate and discuss a few of these methods, addressing practical advantages and drawbacks from a first-person perspective. There will be opportunities for some of those in attendance to try their hands at producing microblades! Nick Waber is a first year graduate student at the University of Victoria. He specializes in lithic technology, experimental archaeology, and Northwest Coast archaeology. His current research involves replication and experimental studies with microblades.