MAPS Survivor Challenge

Primitive Skills Quiz

See how many of the below questions you can answer.  To see the answers, click here.

1)  Which is commonly acknowledged to be a better bow wood, cedar or mulberry? 

 

2)  In splint basketry, why are pounded splints preferable to cut ones? 

 

3)  What is the definition for “tillering” in bow making? 

 

4)  When starting a fire with the bow drill, is speed or pressure more important? 

 

5)  In general, how thick do the walls of a leaf debris hut have to be to insure that the occupant stays dry in the rain? 

 

6)  Who founded the Society of Primitive Technology? 

 

7)  What is the difference between a celt and an axe? 

 

8)  What was the most common fire starting method used by the Indians of this area? 

 

9)  Besides drilling holes, pump drills can be used for what other primitive skills activity? 

 

10)  To what tribe did Stalking Wolf belong? 

 

11)  What local tree produces excellent cordage material and soft, lightweight wood that is prized for carving? 

 

12)  What is most commonly mixed with pine pitch to produce a strong natural glue? 

 

13)  In the Pauite deadfall trap, the bait stick is held in place by the trigger pin on one end and by what on the other end?

 

14)  Which is the best method of throwing a rabbit stick, overhand or side-armed?

 

15)  Which local tree contains oil of wintergreen and makes a delicious tea?

 

16)  What southern plant produces very light, strong, segmented arrows?

 

17)  For which tanning method is thinning the hide a primary goal, wet or dry scrape?

 

18)  A fishing hook that is not bent is called what? 

 

19)  What common wild berry is extremely sweet when ripe, but may produce hallucinations if eaten when not ripe?

 

20)  Name one American Indian tribe that was primarily vegetarian in their diet?

 

21)  It’s an old saw of brain tanning that every animal has enough brains to tan it’s own hide except chickens and what else?

 

22)  Which is an older hand axe technology, Acheulean or Abbevillian?

 

23)  On Callahan’s Lithic Grade Scale, which is a higher grade of knappable material, flint or basalt? 

 

24)  Who is the current President of the Society of Primitive Technology? 

 

25)  What fungus growing only on the black locust tree is known as an excellent coal extender? 

 

26)  Name all of the useful parts of the yucca plant and what they can be used for?

 

27)  What was the original name of MAPS and the year it was created? 

To see the answers, click here.