How to fashion a primitive spear
  • 1. What is the primary purpose of a primitive spear?
A) Hunting and defense
B) Starting fires
C) Cooking food
D) Building shelter
  • 2. What is the most important characteristic of wood chosen for a spear shaft?
A) Dark color and roughness
B) Straightness and strength
C) Presence of knots and bark
D) Flexibility and lightness
  • 3. Which of these wood types is generally *least* suitable for a spear shaft?
A) Willow
B) Ash
C) Hickory
D) Oak
  • 4. How should you initially prepare a greenwood shaft for a spear?
A) Treat it with animal fat
B) Remove the bark and rough shape it
C) Dry it completely in the sun
D) Soak it in water for several days
  • 5. What is the purpose of fire hardening a spear tip?
A) To make it more flexible
B) To prevent it from rotting
C) To make it more visible
D) To harden and strengthen the wood
  • 6. What is a good material for lashing a spearhead to the shaft?
A) Sand or gravel
B) Metal wire
C) Clay or mud
D) Sinew or plant fiber
  • 7. What knot is commonly used for lashing a spearhead?
A) Bowline knot
B) Figure eight knot
C) Square knot
D) Constrictor knot
  • 8. What natural material is commonly used to create a sharp spearhead?
A) Granite or marble
B) Coal or charcoal
C) Flint or obsidian
D) Sandstone or limestone
  • 9. What is the best method for shaping a stone spearhead?
A) Acid etching
B) Laser cutting
C) Sandblasting
D) Flintknapping
  • 10. What safety precaution is most important when flintknapping?
A) Working in a closed space
B) Eye protection
C) Wearing gloves
D) Working with wet stone
  • 11. How should the spearhead be positioned relative to the shaft?
A) Perpendicular to the shaft for increased cutting
B) In line with the shaft for direct force
C) At a slight angle for better grip
D) Offset to one side for balance
  • 12. What is the purpose of notching the spear shaft near the head?
A) To weaken the shaft for easier breakage
B) To provide a handhold
C) To improve the lashing's grip
D) To decorate the spear
  • 13. Why is it important to dry the spear shaft slowly?
A) To increase its weight
B) To prevent cracking and warping
C) To make it more flexible
D) To speed up the hardening process
  • 14. What is a good way to straighten a slightly warped spear shaft?
A) Freeze it overnight
B) Soak it in water
C) Apply heat and pressure
D) Bury it in the ground
  • 15. Besides stone, what other materials can be used for a spearhead?
A) Glass or plastic
B) Bone, antler, or hardened wood
C) Cardboard or paper
D) Clay or ceramics
  • 16. What is the ideal length of a hunting spear in relation to the user?
A) Exactly the user's height
B) Twice the user's height
C) Slightly longer than the user's height
D) Half the user's height
  • 17. How does adding weight to the spear affect its performance?
A) Makes it easier to carry
B) Increases momentum and penetrating power
C) Decreases accuracy and range
D) Reduces its effectiveness
  • 18. What is the best way to test the strength of a newly made spear?
A) Thrust it firmly into the ground
B) Throw it as far as possible
C) Submerge it in water
D) Strike it with a hammer
  • 19. What is the purpose of fletching on a spear (rare, but some cultures used it)?
A) To increase the spear's weight
B) To make it float
C) To improve accuracy and stability in flight
D) To decorate the spear
  • 20. What is the best storage method for a spear to prevent damage?
A) Store it in direct sunlight
B) Store it horizontally, off the ground
C) Store it vertically, leaning against a wall
D) Store it in a damp environment
  • 21. What is a self spear?
A) A spear used for self-defense only
B) A spear with a metal head
C) A spear that throws itself
D) A spear made entirely of wood
  • 22. What is the benefit of using a spear thrower (atlatl)?
A) Increased range and power
B) Improved accuracy at close range
C) Reduced weight of the spear
D) Easier to carry the spear
  • 23. What type of motion should be used when throwing a spear for maximum power?
A) A short, quick jab
B) A slow, deliberate push
C) Just an arm motion
D) Full body rotation and follow-through
  • 24. Why is spear fishing often more challenging than land-based hunting?
A) Fish are easier to hit than land animals
B) Spears are more effective underwater
C) There are more fish than land animals
D) Water distorts vision and slows the spear
  • 25. How should you approach an animal when hunting with a spear?
A) With bright clothing to be easily seen
B) Loudly and aggressively
C) In a straight line, directly at the animal
D) Quietly and cautiously, downwind
  • 26. What is a potential risk of using a spear with a detachable head?
A) The spear will be more accurate
B) The head may detach prematurely
C) The spear will be easier to store
D) The spear will be lighter
  • 27. What can be used to waterproof the lashing on a spearhead?
A) Pine pitch or beeswax
B) Salt water
C) Sand
D) Mud
  • 28. What part of an animal can be used to create a primitive glue?
A) Blood
B) Hide
C) Fat
D) Bones
  • 29. What is a good technique for making a wooden spearhead extremely sharp?
A) Soaking it in vinegar
B) Heating it in a furnace
C) Covering it with tree sap
D) Carving it to a fine point and repeatedly polishing with a smooth stone
  • 30. What is the most important safety practice when handling a spear?
A) Always be aware of your surroundings and where the spear is pointed
B) Run while carrying the spear
C) Leave the spear unattended
D) Throw the spear as hard as possible
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