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Red Osier Arrow Shaft Question

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blindarcher:
Thanks all!  I have added various stains including experimenting with natural pigments to get a patina finish.  My conundrum is knowing what to target to get an old look for the dogwood after many years of exposure to yield an authentic look, whatever that is.

The NC comment about the red clay bring back memories of living in Charlotte 20+ years ago.  Good times!

JackCrafty:
Red osier stays bright white for a long time. At least mine did. But I've heard that Eastern Woodlands Indians preferred arrowwood viburnum for their arrows. This wood is not as bright as red osier and sometimes becomes gray-ish. It's also heavier and harder than red osier.

The color of the arrows is also affected by what you use for a finish coat. Animal fat can be mixed with finely ground pigment of any color and applied. But I've recently read an account (in a museum in Vermont, I think) that the "oil" from the castor gland of a beaver was commonly used as water repellent. I don't know how this would affect the color of the wood, though.

M2A:
Was looking into some information about bows yesterday and came across some pictures. Recalled this thread. Figured late or not maybe it would be some good information for you
://choctawnationculture.com/choctaw-culture/early-choctaw-traditional-arts/bows-and-arrows.aspx#:~:text=The%20bow%2C%20%22Iti%20Tanampo%22,see%20Making%20a%20Choctaw%20Bow)..

The Choctaw cultural services web site has a couple pictures of dogwood or believed to be dogwood arrows. The Peabody set and the Lopez may be examples of what you are looking for.  Wish I knew how to copy and paste better but hope it helps.
Mike   

Phillip King:
 :) :OK

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