What: The Moundville Knap-in is named for the flintkapping technology taught and on display at the event. Other exhibits at the event include fire making, ancient hunting and fishing, basketry, pottery firings, bead work, weaving, net and textile making and shell carving. The event is kid-friendly and will feature crafts, games, corn grinding and face paintings as well.

Betsy Irwin, education outreach coordinator, Moundville Archaeological Park added that there will also be items for sale at the Knap-in.

“Many of the participants also sell their works and there are some beautiful one of a kind, handmade items…” Irwin said.

Who: The Knap-in is sponsored by the Moundville Archaeological Park and open to the public. It typically draws 30-40 flintknappers, craftspeople and artists, and around 700 people are expected to attend, including over 150 school children.

When: March 11 – 12. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. both days.

Where: Moundville Archaeological Park

Why: “Visitors will enjoy this event because the demonstrators are so good at explaining what they are making or doing,” Irwin said.

She also lamented that so many people don’t realize that everything we have, eat, wear or use comes from Mother Earth.

“It used to be that we made the things we needed to survive. Now we go to the store and buy it. If it breaks we throw it out and buy a new thing. (That was) not so in ancient times. By attending the Knap-in, visitors can connect the past with the present and see how the earth provides us all we need, without money,” Irwin said.