Was playing around with the fireplow this morning. This was a fire-making technic used in SE Asia, some of the Pacific islands, and a historical account recorded of use by the Iroquois Indians of New York state. Basically, a wedge-pointed 'plow' is worked back & forth in a 6-inch long groove of the 'fire board.' As you 'plow', fibers build up at the end of the groove. The heat from the friction builds and ignites the fibers into a smoldering coal. This is placed into a tinder nest and blown into flame. I am using a sotol stalk and plow in the picture, but also have had success with a yucca plow on cottonwood. When the fire gods smile upon me >grin< I can usually get a hot coal in 10 -15 seconds. This is a whole new set of muscles being exercised here to do the quick, short strokes necessary with some force. Already a sheen a sweat is visible on my forearms in the heat and humidity of the morning....ahhh, "Nebraska, the good life".
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3 comments:
Smokey,
I've been enjoying your blog, keep it up.
Will we be seeing you at the Artifact Show or BCVIII?
Mila
SCOOTER! Long time no see. Yes, I will be at the Nebraska Stone Age Fair next Saturday. I hear Rick has his 10-year DVD plant project done. Not as sure making Beaver Creek Primitive Skills/Knap-In...that always conflicts with a family event. Though the date is changed..I'll have to check.
I have had a couple of attempts with the fire plough without success but will give it another go now. Good stuff Mark.
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