The first ”Primitive Skills” workshop at the Hagood Mill Historic Site & Folklife Center in Pickens, SC will be an intensive, hands-on weekend session concentrating on the Southeastern Rivercane Blowgun. Guest instructor Doug Meyer from Kannapolis, NC will lead the participants through the historical record of blowguns in cultures throughout the world, and then focus on the Rivercane blowgun as used by the Cherokee Tribe in the Southeast. Each participant will make their own blowgun, learning the skills of opening and smoothing the bore, fire straightening, and finishing.

Each will then learn to make the darts using cane, thistle, and local cotton. The fine points of shooting your blowgun will be taught, and plenty of time will be allowed for practice and friendly competition.

Doug Meyer is a well known expert on blowguns, has written in the Bulletin of Primitive Technology, and is nearing publication on a book about blowguns.

The workshop will begin at 12:00 noon on Saturday November 8 and end Sunday afternoon November 9. Participants should bring a sharp knife, notebook, and pencil. Overnight camping will be permitted on the mill site, as well as in the cabins and on the porches. Bring a tent, bedroll, and sleeping pad if desired. A Saturday night meal will be provided, and gathering around the fire ring Saturday night is encouraged.

Pre-Registration is required. The workshop is open to participants ages 18 and up and is limited to a Maximum of 20 students on a first come, first serve basis. Tuition for the weekend workshop is $ 50.00 per person, payable to the Pickens County Museum, and does include all materials necessary to make your own blowgun and darts. Pickens County, the instructor, or organizers assume no responsibility for the safety or security of the participants. Participation is at your own risk.

The Hagood Mill is located just 3 miles north of Pickens or 5 ½ miles south of Cherokee Foothills Scenic Hwy 11 off SC Hwy 178 at 138 Hagood Mill Road. Hagood Mill is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 until 4:00, to tour the buildings and grounds and to visit the Mill Site Gift Shop.

For additional information or to register for this workshop please contact the Hagood Mill at (864) 898-2936 or the Pickens County Museum at (864) 898-5963.