MAPS Survivor Challenge

Primitive Skills Quiz

 

1)  Which is commonly acknowledged to be a better bow wood, cedar or mulberry? 
Mulberry
 
2)  In splint basketry, why are pounded splints preferable to cut ones? 
They are stronger and will not break and splinter as easily.
 
3)  What is the definition for “tillering” in bow making? 
Removing wood from the belly of the stave so that it bends evenly and is of the desired strength.
 
4)  When starting a fire with the bow drill, is speed or pressure more important? 
Pressure
 
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? 
2 feet
 
6)  Who founded the Society of Primitive Technology? 
Errett Callahan
 
7)  What is the difference between a celt and an axe? 
A celt has no groves and is hafted in a mortised hole via compression—an axe has groves and is hafted by wrapping.
 
8)  What was the most common fire starting method used by the Indians of this area? 
Hand drill
 
9)  Besides drilling holes, pump drills can be used for what other primitive skills activity? 
Friction fire starting
 
10)  To what tribe did Stalking Wolf belong? 
Southern Lipan Apache
 
11)  What local tree produces excellent cordage material and soft, lightweight wood that is prized for carving? 
Basswood
 
12)  What is most commonly mixed with pine pitch to produce a strong natural glue? 
Charcoal
 
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?
Friction with the deadfall
 
14)  Which is the best method of throwing a rabbit stick, overhand or side-armed?
Side-armed
 
15)  Which local tree contains oil of wintergreen and makes a delicious tea?
Black or sweet birch
 
16)  What southern plant produces very light, strong, segmented arrows?
Rivercane
 
17)  For which tanning method is thinning the hide a primary goal, wet or dry scrape?
Dry scrape
 
18)  A fishing hook that is not bent is called what? 
A gorge
 
19)  What common wild berry is extremely sweet when ripe, but may produce hallucinations if eaten when not ripe?
Mulberry
 
20)  Name one American Indian tribe that was primarily vegetarian in their diet?
There were none. Vegetarianism is a modern invention.
 
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?
Teenagers
 
22)  Which is an older hand axe technology, Acheulean or Abbevillian?
Abbevillian
 
23)  On Callahan’s Lithic Grade Scale, which is a higher grade of knappable material, flint or basalt? 
Basalt
 
24)  Who is the current President of the Society of Primitive Technology? 
Steve Watts
 
25)  What fungus growing only on the black locust tree is known as an excellent coal extender? 
Cracked-cap polypore
 
26)  Name all of the useful parts of the yucca plant and what they can be used for?
roots-soap, leaves-cordage, weaving & plaiting, stalks-fireboards, flowers & fruits-eating
 
27)  What was the original name of MAPS and the year it was created?  Maryland Area Trackers, 1997

 

So how did you do?