Ancient Jewelry Crafting (FREE)

In the prehistoric southwest, the use of argillite for decoration was quite common. This local stone was harvested, ground into slabs and distributed to the north and south of Prescott. Argillite is soft and durable, thus making it ideal for jewelry pieces. Olivella shells were traded into the southwest from California and Mesoamerica in exchange for pottery goods, turquoise, and other tool items. In this class we will follow in the footsteps of the prehistoric Hohokam, Sinagua, Salado, Prescott, and Pueblo people in making jewelry from argillite and Olivella shells. You will learn the following skills hands on:

Prehistoric uses of shell and argillite
Argillite and the geology
How to process and alter the Olivella shell's color
Making argillite jewelry pendants
Rope making using natural and organic materials
Polishing the jewelry
Finishing the necklace

When? This class will be held on Saturday August 3rd, 2019 at 10:00am. Of course, you are not required to stay the entire length. If you leave early, we will still provide supplies.

Where? Meet at the main parking lot at the Heritage Park Zoo. We will then go down to the lakeside area next to three prehistoric archaeology sites. Look for the BLACK JEEP with a white rounded sticker on the back.
GPS: 1403 Heritage Park Road. Prescott, AZ.

How much? This class is 100% FREE! Please note there is a $3.00 parking fee.

What to bring? All class tools and materials are provided.

What if I have to cancel? In order for us to run our meetup group proficiently, we rely on you. We love sharing information and ancestral knowledge. However, it is very difficult when members sign up and don't attend. Please, we ask if you have to change your plans, make sure you cancel your attendance for this class at least 48 hours ahead of time.