Get Primitive at the California Academy of Sciences

SAN FRANCISCO (May 1999) - Ever wonder how animal hides were transformed into functional clothing millions of years ago? How did early humans create cave art before paint, as we now know it, existed? How did they discover fire and make stone tools? Primitive technology experts will explore these and other intriguing questions about early humans at the California Academy of Sciences. These programs are offered to complement our blockbuster summer exhibit Missing Links - Alive!, on display from Saturday, May 29 through September 6, 1999. Admission to the exhibit is $2 for adults 18 and over, $1 for seniors. There is no additional admission for Academy members. All public programs are free with admission to the Museum.

Stone Age Clothing
Watch how animal hides are transformed into clothing using stone and bone tools. Also, see the manufacture of the tools needed for this activity including bone awls, stone scrapers, picks and hand axes.

May 29, June 27, July 25
11:00 - 1:30 p.m.
3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Fire Masters
Witness the creation of fire the way it done thousands of years ago. Wood, weeds and rocks will be the only materials used in this demonstration.

May 29, June 13, 20, 27, July 18, 25
2:10 - 2:50 p.m.

Cave Paintings Alive!
Join us for a live demonstration of cave painting, and see the variety of tools, pigments and materials that Cro-Magnons could have used to produce these magnificent murals.

June 6, July 3
11:10 - 4:10 p.m.

Weaving Plant Fibers
Watch different techniques to weave plant fibers and see how early humans used them in their daily activities.

June 13
11:00 - 1:30 p.m. & 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Beads and Weapons
Discover how primitive tools can be used to create beautiful ornaments or powerful weapons. The demonstration will show a wide variety of tools and techniques.

June 20, July 18
11:00 - 1:30 p.m. & 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.