In many villages, cooking, water transport, and food storage could not be done without expertly made clay vessels. On the Primitive Pottery Pathway, instructor John Olsen will teach students the various aspects of pottery, from collecting the raw clay, to processing the clay, to making clay vessels, to firing them in an open fire. Pre-processed clay will be available for each student to work while the raw clay is being prepared for use. Two firings will be done: one instructor-guided and one student-guided. Each student will complete the Pathway with the tools necessary for producing pottery and products from the two firings.

HIDETANNING (BRAINTANNING BUCKSKIN)

Class Limit: 10 Students

Of all the materials that traditional cultures used to clothe themselves, few are as beautiful, resilient, or comfortable as brain-tanned buckskin. On the Hidetanning Pathway, instructor Doug "Digger" Crist will teach students the process and the art of turning deer hides into buckskin and rawhide using hide scrapers, bone awls, and a variety of other tools. Each student will then use his or her finished products to produce a piece of clothing, moccasins, a pouch, or a variety of rawhide objects. Sewing the final pieces will be taught with buckskin lacing or sinew. Our goal is to teach you how to turn animal hides into functional -- and fashionable -- clothing and accessory items.

While clay pots may be great for cooking and holding water, they are often heavy and can break. For these reasons, baskets are often a better option for transport and storage needs. On the Whole Shoot Willow Basketry Pathway, instructor Erin Adams will teach students how to make basketry tools, gather willow, and prepare dried willow for weaving. Various weaves -- including Slewing, English, and French Randing -- as well as borders will be explored. Like all other Pathways, there are no prerequisites to take this course -- just come ready to learn, as you will have time to create and complete multiple baskets under Erin's guidance during the week.