Some useful references and links....
Useful References
Walter Hough - Fire as an Agent in Human Culture (1926) - useful ref guide, and describes methods used around the world. (though I question the theory that horizontal fire drills were peculiar to Europe - he's basing it on Sir James Fraser...)
Walter Hough - The Methods of Fire Making (1890)
Walter Hough - Fire Making Apparatus in the United States National Museum (1928)
(note - there are many other Walter Hough (American ethnologist.) books available from Smithsonian Libraries)
Sir James Fraser - The Golden Bough - useful information on Fire Festivals of Europe and need fire though you have to be a little careful and wonder how embellished some of the information is (e.g. horizontal fire drills etc). And not that easy a read
Sir James Fraser - Myths of The Origins of Fire - useful for fire origin stories though not an easy read. I've not found a e-book version.
Dwelly-d by Edward Dwelly, the online version of the authoritative dictionary of Scottish Gaelic
Carmina Gadelica by Alexander Carmichael (folklorist 1832-1912)
Not Feuer by Johannes Reiske printed 1696 - in German!
Stephen J Pyne - Vestal Fire. An Environmental History, Told Through Fire, of Europe and Europe's Encounter with the World
Stephen J Pyne - The Fire Age
Lagercrantz - African methods of fire making - I want it! But haven't found it yet!
Cave Archaeology in the Yorskhire Dales
Survival Skills of Native California,
Fire Making Methods in the American Museum by Walter Hough
The Early History of Fire - an interesting article about the early history of fire
Viking Fire Methods - interesting article on fire starting in the Viking age
Aboriginal Fire Making_ - interesting chapter in The American Anthropologist
The Bow Drill in North America - article regarding use of bow drill in North America
Egyption Fire Drill - Picture of 4000 year old Egyptian Bow Drill Set
Inuit Bow Drill - Picture of Inuit bow drill. The bow is made of caribou rib bone and the cord from sealskin. The bearing block is made from antler .
My related pages:
Sacred Hearth Friction Fire facebook page - follow Sacred Hearth on Facebook and keep up-to-date with various musings thoughts, and postings.
Organisations I support:
Survival International - a UK based charity, and the global movement for tribal peoples' rights. They are the only organization that champions tribal peoples around the world, and help them defend their lives, protect their lands and determine their own futures. The work Survival does is much needed to protect Indigenous peoples throughout the world - it is disgusting how they have been and still are treated.
Sacred Hearth Friction Fire facebook page - follow Sacred Hearth on Facebook and keep up-to-date with various musings thoughts, and postings.
Organisations I support:
Survival International - a UK based charity, and the global movement for tribal peoples' rights. They are the only organization that champions tribal peoples around the world, and help them defend their lives, protect their lands and determine their own futures. The work Survival does is much needed to protect Indigenous peoples throughout the world - it is disgusting how they have been and still are treated.
Nomad Wales Journey with Purpose My friend Tom’s venture. Nomad was born out of a desire to do something different with outdoor education. We have a unique style which works on re-establishing a connection with nature, visiting ancient ways and story, journeying in a humble and beautiful way, and diving deep within ourselves to unlock something special.
Erti Suli - My friends' Anthony and Paloma's gathering. A festival for the curious, the adventurous and those who want to make a difference. Away from the big production festivals there is a secret but gentle revolution unfolding. Where you are welcomed for your wonderful uniqueness, where your face will be known and your name remembered. Where children can discover their natural wildness, and adults re-learn and remember what it is to feel truly connected to the land and to each other. Erti Suli's vision is that people will come back year after year and form deep connection, away from the hustle and bustle, whilst welcoming anyone who feels the call to join us.The camp is set in a beautiful part of the West Country within easy access of Bristol, Exeter, Frome and Taunton.
Friction Fire Groups:
Facebook - search for Primitive Fire UK - some very knowledgeable\experienced people post on this group. Very good for getting advice\pointers\tips.
Bow Drill Articles
How to string a Bow Drill - interesting article on a method for stringing the bow drill.
Making nettle cordage - an article on how to make nettle cordage
The Hand Drill
A good "how to" video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9j8rUNx5_s .
Hand Drill (UK article) - a good article on the hand drill in the UK.
Some good hand drill tips from outdoor selfreliance
Other Methods
Pump Drill
Fire Saw
Knives
How to Sharpen A Bushcraft Knife - it's so easy to sharpen your knife wrongly! A good article on how to do it correctly.
UK Knife Laws
Facebook - search for Primitive Fire UK - some very knowledgeable\experienced people post on this group. Very good for getting advice\pointers\tips.
Bow Drill Articles
How to string a Bow Drill - interesting article on a method for stringing the bow drill.
Making nettle cordage - an article on how to make nettle cordage
The Hand Drill
A good "how to" video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9j8rUNx5_s .
Hand Drill (UK article) - a good article on the hand drill in the UK.
Some good hand drill tips from outdoor selfreliance
Other Methods
Pump Drill
Fire Saw
Knives
How to Sharpen A Bushcraft Knife - it's so easy to sharpen your knife wrongly! A good article on how to do it correctly.
UK Knife Laws