OCCOQUAN PALEOTECHNICS

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Inspired by the archaeological record, Occoquan Paleotechnics LLC offers the finest quality functional replicas of prehistoric museum artifacts, as well as art pieces influenced by ancient designs. Founder Michael Frank has spent over 22 years of intense study with the finest instructors in the world in the fields of experimental archaeology and primitive technology. With over 18 years of professional museum experience conserving collections, the highest degree of authenticity can be reached.

It seems that everyone has a love of archaeology to some degree. Functional replicas, such as an ancient style bow that shoots an arrow straight today, can bring archaeology to life for those who do not have access to the originals. This is the mission of Occoquan Paleotechnics.

When Cortes first met the Aztecs, they presented him with ceremonial gifts, including spear throwers guilded with gold. These were sent back to Charles V in Europe. This replica in Rosewood and shell was made after the original which is now in the British Museum.

Occoquan Paleotechnics serves the museum community, academic institutions, and all practitioners of traditional skills. Our focus is on ancient technologies where materials such as wood, stone, hide, and fiber were used, as well as any other natural materials authentic for the project.

This modern made Rose Quartz bannerstone is a replica of a 3,000 year old object from Indian Knoll, Kentucky. This piece was used as a test for primitive drilling techniques. A pump drill(see Lithics 2)was used to test different abrasives, such as a slurry of sand including obsidian and flint debris. Once made, the object was tested again as a possible weight on atlatl spear throwers, which is the main theory describing their use. (see Atlatls page)

This functional replica of an 1870's Cheyenne horse bow was made in the same authentic materials as the original, Osage Orange wood and buffalo sinew

In order to make this clovis replica(lithics) in an authentic manner, the early stages of manufacture had to follow what is shown in the archaeological record. The end result will have a different look than a tool made with modern short cuts. This piece was diamond scribed with a small date to properly mark it as a modern made item.

The ancient techniques of making fire by friction are still in use today. After 25 years of study, including examination of archaeological examples in museums, we have come up with kits designed to work best for beginners. Several methods here are used as teaching collections so that the student can have success, build their own equipment afterwards, and get a lesson on the history of fire by friction.

All materials are gathered in a sustainable way that will have the least impact on the enviroment. Wood for the friction fire sets are collected from standing dead wood, and the hidework is from the excess of hunters that would otherwise go to waste. These processes use 100% biodegradable materials with no fuel used in production. In addition, all collecting trips are simultaneously a trash pick up, and our stretch of the Occoquan Reservoir is the most pristine for many miles.

This atlatl was made from natural materials found on the banks of the Occoquan reservoir. The steatite stone for the weight was found in the nearby streams, and the shed antler was found on the forest floor. These are all materials found in one day's hike and trash pick up.

Many of our items are made custom for clients with a specific need. We also have items that are ready for immediate sale on our (ITEMS FOR SALE) page. To inquire about custom versions of anything seen on this site, or about pricing quotes, please email us at clovis23@comcast.net. We are now accepting credit card orders on our "Items for Sale" checkout page, and Paypal is an option for all sales as well. All items are sent priority mail, tracked, and fully guaranteed.