An Internship in Experimental Archeology
with the AUSTIN TEXAS LITHIC ARTS & TECHNOLOGY LEAGUE
You will learn about:
1.     Ethics:  Learn about legal issues that are faced in experimental archeology, through assigned readings and
classroom discussion.
2.     Biology.  Learn details about various prey species and useful plants, through assigned readings and frequent
testing.
3.     Geology  Learn to exploit the mineral resources of the planet, from a stone-age perspective.
4.     Physics.  Learn to make simple yet effective weapons, through observation, experiments, and assignments.
5.     Martial Arts.  Achieve the rank of camo karate belt by practicing fighting as a member of a small group, and
by working-out with the ATLATL team.  
6.     Hunting. Learn to hunt with spears and other simple weapon systems, by participating as a member of the
ATLATL team.
7.     Survival Skills.  Learn to prepare food and make simple shelters from locally available resources, through
discussions with the field instructor and direct practice.
8.     Cultural Anthropology.  Learn about stone-age people, through assigned readings and classroom discussions.
9.     Experimental Archeology.  Identify an object from the archeological record and develop an alternative theory
to explain the function of that object, through research of the literature, classroom discussions, and experimentation.
10.  Cave Art: Learn to produce blueprints of effective stone-age technologies, in formats designed to last
indefinitely, through classroom discussions and assignments.
11.  Group Presentations:  Learn to interact with the public and present information to groups, through
observation, direct practice, discussion, and assigned readings.
12.  Public Demonstrations.  Learn to model effective techniques for performing tasks practiced in stone-age
cultures, through discussions with field instructor and assignments.
Cost
Currently there are no funds available to pay student interns for this position.  Although the internship itself has no
cost, applicants can expect to spend over $3,500 during a 6-month training period. Expenses include hunting gear,
tools, first aid supplies, etc.  Lost wages, vehicle damage and basic living expenses increase the cost.  The hours of this
internship includes early mornings, evenings, and weekends.  Some interns continue working part-time during the
weekdays, 9-5.  

Prerequisites
·        Must be able to field-dress a large deer and then carry it for a short distance.
·        Must be able to throw a rock across a river.
·        Must be a member of the World Atlatl Association.
·        A current Texas hunting and fishing license is required in order to apply for this internship.
·        Must complete beginners level course.

Exams
Applicants must pass a series of tests before being admitted into an internship.  Students will continue to be tested
through out the internship.  Frequent testing will be a part of the experience.

Central Texas
Students will need to live in Central Texas during the internship.  We recommend learning to speak some English or
Spanish, to make your stay in Texas more enjoyable, however this is not a requirement.  

What do I bring?
·        Pickup truck: We recommend that you drive a pickup truck.  
·        Tools: Bring tools!  
·        You will need sturdy boots, and clothes for comfort in weather extremes.  
·        Bring hunting and fishing equipment.  And of course, bring any atlatl or archery gear.  
·        But most of all bring your imagination!!!

What not to bring
·        Modern Firearms: Please do not bring guns, rifles, or shotguns.  However, lethal weapons such as spears will be
used regularly.
·        Dogs: The mortality rate for our dogs is high and therefore we recommend bringing only dogs that are smart and
tough.  If you have a good hunting dog, bring it!  But if you really love that dog, you may want to leave it at home.
·        Vegetarians: Activities include killing animals and eating them.

Safety
The mortality rate for students in this program is low, because safety is important at the Austin Texas Lithic Arts &
Technology League.  A safety officer is designated for all hunts and competitions.  Extensive planning and a strict
code of conduct helps to prevent accidents. However, injuries are common and can be expected.  Please provide
contact information for two people in the event of death or injury.  

Disclaimer
The Austin Texas Lithic Arts & Technology League is not a true cult.  We are not directly associated with the World
Atlatl Association, the state of Texas, or Austin.  This internship may make you dizzy. Please consult a physician if
you plan to participate.  

Alumni
All interns are inducted into the Bodark Branch of the ATLATL family.  Graduates receive full membership in the
Austin Texas Lithic Arts & Technology League.  We recommend that students form Atlatl Associations according to
WAA guidelines.

Testimonials
“I learned more during my 6-month apprenticeship with the atlatl then I ever did during 5 years of college.”  Roger
Wildman
Updated 09/16/2007