At Longwood University, there are niches for everyone. From researching historical documents, to listening to symphonies, to going to art exhibits: if it's something you have an intense professional relationship with, you'll probably find it on or near campus. However, what is you want to build your own sweat lodge, what if you want to flint knap, what if you want to make what hasn't been made in centuries? If you have these urges then you have a place at Longwood's Primitive Technologies Club.
Described by President Nikki Wood as "a club dedicated to learning and recreating survival techniques used by previous humans," Primitive Technologies meets "once a month to have quick and fun lectures about a specific survival activity such as basketry or fire making. We then recreate those techniques at a seminar weekend where we combine all that we have learned in a fun, overnight weekend." Increasing knowledge of "our past ancestors and how they lived," Primitive Technologies creates, "a great community full of people who are there to, not only learn, but have a great time too."
Based largely out of the Anthropology Department, Primitive Technology's other officers include Kelsey Long and Carrie Mosby with Mosby recently elected as Primitive Technology's Secretary. Due to massive involvement, impressive organization and highly positive attitudes, the Primitive Technology community has continued to be productive and plans to introduce new technologies that may be of interest to people in the major and in the general population. When asked why she enjoyed going to Prim Tech, Nikki said, "While I do love the educational aspect of Prim Tech, I really can't stress enough how much fun it is to be able to hang out with good friends by a campfire. This club just has an amazing attitude, and everyone should really take advantage of it."
Faculty involvement was also explained by the fact that Prim Tech is "a student run organization, [and that] there is very little faculty involvement. That being said, Dr. Bates and Dr. Jordan are still always available to lend a hand when needed. You never know, Dr. Jordan just might take you on a canoe ride if you ask."
Also on hand to vouche for Primitive Technologies was Prim tech member Samantha Zerio. When asked about the Club's importance to her, Zerio said, "Not only do I believe you can learn valuable skills that are helpful in any given situation, but it encompasses such a broad variety of people here on campus, as well as off campus. Aside from being a vital tool, Prim Tech is fun! We have a great group of members, and every one can bring something new and interesting to the table, and we certainly know how to have a good time." An anthropology major intimately concerned with Prim Tech for some time now, Zerio shared that, "Prim Tech is for anyone interested in learning about the past, present, and future! Faculty, Staff, and Students alike are more than welcome to join. We meet every other Thursday at 5:00 pm in Ruffner 215 (what many know as the Arch. Lab), please feel free to stop by and see what we're all about. I think that Prim Tech helps to exercise and refresh our brain of some basic motor skills we have naturally subdued through the evolution process, it opens our minds and engages us to challenge and fine tune our inner instincts."
When asked what exactly she thought would appeal to the wider campus about Prim Tech, Samantha said, "we have fun. We don't like to sit in the classroom every meeting and give mind-numbing ‘lessons'; instead we quite prefer more hands on activities that involve a wide range of people, ideas, and activities. We are open to new members, and new ideas, and mostly just enjoy being in the company of people."
For the reason of it getting students out into the field, exposing them to their better selves in an environment freer than the classroom, Prim Tech proves itself to be a useful part of any student's time. Even if you think you aren't the type to make spearheads or weave a basket, even if you think your pottery will fire lopsided, the experience may still be important. Maybe it is just the cool air of the field station, the fire at night and the pure darkness all around it. Maybe it's just worth watching to see the human soul free in some kind of work both intricate and blunt.
