Coyote's gift: Primitive methods of producing and using fire in the American Southwest

This paper explores primitive methods of producing and using fire in the American Southwest. Fire is placed in the context of early humans, Southwestern Indians, and modern humans. The last includes “neoprimitives”, contemporary people involved in reviving and learning hunter-gatherer skills. Two means of producing fire by friction—the handdrill and the fireplow—are covered in detail. Plant-based fuels available in the Southwest are discussed under five categories: coal extender, tinder, slow match, kindling, and bulkwood. Various ways of building and maintaining fire, including several hearth configurations, are considered. Some primitive tools useful for making fire are explored. The paper also discusses the primitive uses of fire by Southwestern American Indians and neoprimitives. These uses are divided into ten categories: warmth, light, cooking, tools, water purification, hunting and land management, uses of smoke, charcoal and ash, and social/spiritual uses.