How did the Woodland Indians start their fires?
First, the man or woman would find a branch from a hardwood tree (trees that bear leaves, like oak). The branch would be sharpened to a point. Next, they would find a larger piece of dried softwood (from trees that bear needles, like pine or cedar). Using stone tools, a small indentation would be made in the softwood. Finally, they would gather a small pile of dry wood shavings, small twigs, and dried grasses called kindling. With all their materials gathered, they could begin. Placing the hardwood sharpened stick in the softwood indentation, the Woodland Indians would rub the stick between the palms of their hands. If they rubbed fast enough, they could create enough friction to produce a smoking coal. When the wood began to smoke, they would carefully put the kindling on the coal and blow. With luck, the grasses and wood shavings would burst into flame.
