[WAA article by Roy Wenmohs] The Austin Texas Lithic Arts & Technology League hosted the first official ISAC in
Texas on April 21, 2007. It was a success; thanks to instruction received from Ron Mertz last summer in Cahokia
Mounds, and thanks to Bill Metcalf who hosts flint knapping rendezvous in Fredericksburg Texas twice a year. Five
people from different parts of Texas arrived ready to compete. This was an opportunity to exchange ideas about
experimental archeology. David Noland of Goliad Texas, a long time WAA member with the most experience with the
atlatl, won the first ISAC, on Saturday, in spite of high winds gusting around 20 mph. He threw a dart constructed of
2 Easton arrows, with a fiberglass atlatl that he made. David throws left-handed and his technique is pretty smooth.
Roy Wenmohs (yours truly) won in the “primitive” category, throwing a dart made by Gary Fogelman, with an atlatl
made by Kris Tuomala. Following the ISAC, JR Silva of Andrews Texas introduced us to a magnetic female. The
atlatl was made of fiberglass and instead of a spur it had a magnet. He threw a dart 372 feet.
On Sunday, 4/22 a light rain fell as we began the ISAC. One friendly spectator offered to shoot the target with “my
30-06” rifle, and pointed to his truck. Marty “Bobcat” Smith threw barefooted in the open category. He tied with
Shaine Balero of San Antonio who threw in the traditional category. Shaine is a flint knapper who makes high
quality atlatls and darts. His darts strike the target with tremendous power. Bobcat won the sudden death playoff
and was pronounced the winner. Unfortunately Bobcat and Roy were disqualified for swearing loudly. This may be
the first ISAC where the organizers of the event disqualified themselves for disruptive behavior.
Several more ISACs are scheduled in Texas this year. At least two of the contestants have sworn to improve
accuracy at the next events.
Texas on April 21, 2007. It was a success; thanks to instruction received from Ron Mertz last summer in Cahokia
Mounds, and thanks to Bill Metcalf who hosts flint knapping rendezvous in Fredericksburg Texas twice a year. Five
people from different parts of Texas arrived ready to compete. This was an opportunity to exchange ideas about
experimental archeology. David Noland of Goliad Texas, a long time WAA member with the most experience with the
atlatl, won the first ISAC, on Saturday, in spite of high winds gusting around 20 mph. He threw a dart constructed of
2 Easton arrows, with a fiberglass atlatl that he made. David throws left-handed and his technique is pretty smooth.
Roy Wenmohs (yours truly) won in the “primitive” category, throwing a dart made by Gary Fogelman, with an atlatl
made by Kris Tuomala. Following the ISAC, JR Silva of Andrews Texas introduced us to a magnetic female. The
atlatl was made of fiberglass and instead of a spur it had a magnet. He threw a dart 372 feet.
On Sunday, 4/22 a light rain fell as we began the ISAC. One friendly spectator offered to shoot the target with “my
30-06” rifle, and pointed to his truck. Marty “Bobcat” Smith threw barefooted in the open category. He tied with
Shaine Balero of San Antonio who threw in the traditional category. Shaine is a flint knapper who makes high
quality atlatls and darts. His darts strike the target with tremendous power. Bobcat won the sudden death playoff
and was pronounced the winner. Unfortunately Bobcat and Roy were disqualified for swearing loudly. This may be
the first ISAC where the organizers of the event disqualified themselves for disruptive behavior.
Several more ISACs are scheduled in Texas this year. At least two of the contestants have sworn to improve
accuracy at the next events.
| History of the Austin Texas Lithic Arts & Technology League 2007 |
- 8/25, Roy obtains the rank of purple belt in Kajukenbo, with instruction from Shodan Robert Reed.
- 9/29, At the Golden-Gem Rendezvous & Knap-In in Llano Texas, demonstrated the atlatl to a small
group of flint knappers. - 10/09 Wildman completes apprenticeship with ATATL. He vows to start a new chapter in Mexico, the
Atlatl Asociación de San Somewhere.
Shumla, by Roy Wenmohs.
[WAA article] In October of 2007 I went to the Shumla archeology school in South Texas to learn how
ancient people survived in the desert. The arid environment of the lower Pecos region has preserved rock
art that was painted thousands of years ago. I visited several rock art sites, guided by experts James
Keyser, Carolyn Boyd, and Elton Prewitt. The atlatl weapon system was a common theme in the
pictographs. This experience validated my belief that there is something special about the art of the atlatl.
We also saw earth middens and wikiup rings. Monarch butterflies were flying South for the Winter and we
were camped directly in their path. We slept outside for a week, and ate cactus and yucca. Ethnobotany
was a big part of the experience. But I really enjoyed the action packed experimental archeology. Neal
Stilley of the Texas Historical Commission taught us how to start a fire with two sticks, using the Shumla
notch. Jack Johnson of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department taught us about the rabbitstick. He is
hosting Seminole Canyon Archeolympics in February. We also learned about flint knapping.
About ten students took the weeklong course. We all learned a lot. If you are interested in prehistoric rock
art or Paleo-Indians, you might like Shumla. If you are interested in the atlatl, you might also enjoy going
to Shumla.
[WAA article] In October of 2007 I went to the Shumla archeology school in South Texas to learn how
ancient people survived in the desert. The arid environment of the lower Pecos region has preserved rock
art that was painted thousands of years ago. I visited several rock art sites, guided by experts James
Keyser, Carolyn Boyd, and Elton Prewitt. The atlatl weapon system was a common theme in the
pictographs. This experience validated my belief that there is something special about the art of the atlatl.
We also saw earth middens and wikiup rings. Monarch butterflies were flying South for the Winter and we
were camped directly in their path. We slept outside for a week, and ate cactus and yucca. Ethnobotany
was a big part of the experience. But I really enjoyed the action packed experimental archeology. Neal
Stilley of the Texas Historical Commission taught us how to start a fire with two sticks, using the Shumla
notch. Jack Johnson of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department taught us about the rabbitstick. He is
hosting Seminole Canyon Archeolympics in February. We also learned about flint knapping.
About ten students took the weeklong course. We all learned a lot. If you are interested in prehistoric rock
art or Paleo-Indians, you might like Shumla. If you are interested in the atlatl, you might also enjoy going
to Shumla.
- The week after the Shumla experience (10/22/2007) Roy demonstrated friction fire building
to Kajukenbo class. And the next week he provided a demonstration with the rabbitstick for
that class. Began practicing with “Kylie” style rabbitsticks. - 12/08, Marty "Bobcat" Smith achieves level 2 rank in Krav Maga.
- On December 19, 2007, following two weeks of extensive testing, Kajukenbo instructor
Shodan Reed presented Roy with a camouflage karate belt in recognition of proficiency
with stone-age weapons. Camouflage is not a standard rank in Kajukenbo, and represents
Shodan Reed’s innovative and eclectic approach as a martial artist.
In 2007 the team began planting Bodark seedlings,
developed Bylaws, and the Bodark Branch of the
ATLATL is formed for sports and recreation. ATLATL
also began looking for a financial sponsor.
developed Bylaws, and the Bodark Branch of the
ATLATL is formed for sports and recreation. ATLATL
also began looking for a financial sponsor.
| Touring a bison jump with Elton Prewitt and the Shumla School. |
[WAA article by Roger Wildman] Sadly, the flint Knap-In in Fredericksburg Texas this October has been
cancelled, and the ISACs scheduled at the knap-in are also cancelled. Fortunately we now have contests
in our hometown. The Austin Texas Lithic Arts & Technology League hosted the first ISAC in Austin Texas
on July 14th. During previous ISACs we learned about the disadvantages of being both a competitor and
an officiator. Fortunately Robert Bogan agreed to serve as the judge for this ISAC. His experience
teaching high school students prepared him to supervise the unruly competitors, and added an element of
class to the event. Marty "Bobcat" Smith placed third, throwing with an Osage atlatl that he carved from a
log. I (Roger Wildman) placed second. And Roy Wenmohs came in first, with some lucky shots.
Since that date we have had 3 mores contests, and more ISACs are scheduled at this same location,
about twice a month! You can find us at Duncan Park, along Shoal Creek, and across the creek from
Shoal Creek Saloon, in Austin Texas!
cancelled, and the ISACs scheduled at the knap-in are also cancelled. Fortunately we now have contests
in our hometown. The Austin Texas Lithic Arts & Technology League hosted the first ISAC in Austin Texas
on July 14th. During previous ISACs we learned about the disadvantages of being both a competitor and
an officiator. Fortunately Robert Bogan agreed to serve as the judge for this ISAC. His experience
teaching high school students prepared him to supervise the unruly competitors, and added an element of
class to the event. Marty "Bobcat" Smith placed third, throwing with an Osage atlatl that he carved from a
log. I (Roger Wildman) placed second. And Roy Wenmohs came in first, with some lucky shots.
Since that date we have had 3 mores contests, and more ISACs are scheduled at this same location,
about twice a month! You can find us at Duncan Park, along Shoal Creek, and across the creek from
Shoal Creek Saloon, in Austin Texas!
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