Dr Theresa Emmerich Kamper
National Geographic Traveller (UK)|September 2023
THE AMERICAN EXPERIMENTAL ARCHAEOLOGIST PADDLED THE THAMES IN A COWSKIN CANOE TO GAIN INSIGHT INTO STONE AGE-STYLE LIVING
KERIDWEN CORNELIUS
Dr Theresa Emmerich Kamper

You teach ancestral skills, from basketry to stone tool construction and more. What sparked your interest?

It evolved from being outdoors a lot as a child. My dad was a scout leader, and he mentioned that cattails were edible. I went to a cow pond, dug up cattail roots and came back chewing one. He told me I was going to get salmonella, then boiled them up for me. As long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by finding ways to use the resources around me.

You make leather clothing and gear for your adventures. How did that passion begin?

When I was 11, I wanted a pretty leather dress. Leather was expensive, but I realised people used to tan skins to make it. And bless my parents, they’re very tolerant. I rotted a lot of deer skins before I was successful, but I fell in love with it. The problem-solving aspect of it really appealed to me.

That led to a PhD in ancient hide-tanning techniques.

This story is from the September 2023 edition of National Geographic Traveller (UK).

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 2023 edition of National Geographic Traveller (UK).

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELLER (UK)View All
Annette Arjoon-Martins
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

Annette Arjoon-Martins

RAISED BY HER INDIGENOUS GRANDMOTHER IN GUYANA, SOUTH AMERICA, ANNETTE BUILT A FEMALE DRONE UNIT TO MONITOR MANGROVES

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
The Amazon to the Andes
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

The Amazon to the Andes

THIS AUTUMN, PADDINGTON HEADS TO PERU ON THE BIG SCREEN - FOLLOW IN HIS PAWPRINTS FOR AN EPIC FAMILY ADVENTURE

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Serra de Tramuntana
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

Serra de Tramuntana

MAJORCA'S MAJOR MOUNTAIN RANGE IS EVERY BIT AS BEAUTIFUL AS THE ISLAND'S COASTLINE - AND YOU CAN HIKE STRAIGHT FROM YOUR HOTEL

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
CRAFTING PERFECTION
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

CRAFTING PERFECTION

Carlsberg's old brewing district has been redeveloped, offering creative new ways to enjoy Copenhagen

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
HOTEL AWARDS 2024
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

HOTEL AWARDS 2024

IT'S BEEN AN EPIC YEAR FOR HOTEL OPENINGS, REVAMPS AND EXTENSIONS, AND WE'VE SCOURED THE GLOBE FOR THE BEST OF THEM. WHETHER YOU WANT TO TUNE INTO THE JUNGLE FROM A TREEHOUSE, SLEEP IN A PIECE OF HISTORY OR WATCH THE SUN SET OVER MOUNTAIN PEAKS FROM YOUR BED, YOU'RE GUARANTEED A MEMORABLE STAY FROM OUR WINNERS AND RUNNERS-UP

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
MALDIVES
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

MALDIVES

An archipelago of 1,192 coral islands and 26 turquoise atolls looping across the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is home to resorts that cater to every imaginable taste, from barefoot escapes to designer digs. The most convenient to reach are located in the South Malé, North Malé and Vaavu atolls, within speedboat distance of Velana International Airport, while more remote atolls are accessible by seaplane or domestic flight. With easy access to the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Baa and Raa are especially popular. Those around the Equator, including Gaafu Alifu, offer a splendid sense of isolation, abundant marine life and brilliantly starry night skies.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
TRANSYLVANIA
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

TRANSYLVANIA

The central Romanian region of Dracula fame makes for an intriguing autumn break - sink your teeth into its crafts and culture after discovering its turreted castles.

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2024
Audio adventures
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

Audio adventures

FROM OVERTOURISM TO HOW THE OLYMPIC GAMES AFFECTS HOST CITIES, HERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST PODCASTS THAT EXPLORE THE WORLD

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
NICE
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

NICE

Historically a place where monarchs and aristocrats would escape the winter in favour of warm Mediterranean climes, this southern French city is at its best in the off season

time-read
9 mins  |
November 2024
BELFAST
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

BELFAST

In the Northern Irish capital, the healing and uniting powers of music and art are being used to reconcile the past, look to the future and bring communities together

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2024