Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: billy on August 17, 2009, 12:47:52 am
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Hi everyone. I just got back this evening after driving up to the Smithsonian to do the research and take photos of the bows, arrows and quivers that will be published in Primitive Archer. WOW... you guys are gonna be in for a real treat. I got to see some really, REALLY cool stuff, and I'm absolutely jazzed that I'll be able to share these with all of you.
Of course, some of the bows I saw were kinda crude. I saw one Paiute bow that was rather ugly...but even then it was really cool to see and examine.
I do have some really cool pics of an entire Comanche set (bow, arrows and quiver). This set was collected in 1868!!!!
And the northern California bows are gonna blow you away....I have photos of one that is so reflexed that you won't believe it!
I'm not gonna give anything more away....that's for ya'll to see in the articles. But let's just say this is gonna be a fascinating series of articles for all of you to share, learn from, and enjoy. I can't wait to get these done and sent in to PA...... this is gonna be AWESOME!!!!
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My wife asked me this evening about the guy going to the Smithsonian to research bows and arrows. Billy, I can't wait to read your series of articles and drool over the pics.
Did you get any ideas for bows or other implements? Come on, just a tease! ;D
Your excitement makes me excited. ;)
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Hey PAt,
I'm so glad you're excited...because I am!!
I didn't really get any ideas for other bows though. I like my longbows because they fit me. However, the one thing that continually surprises me is the relatively small size of the weapons that I've seen. The longest bow I saw was a Cherokee bow (62 inches), but even then the arrows were not nearly as thick in diameter as the cane arrows I make. In general, the indian weapons tend to be much smaller, sleeker, and more elegant than the big, beefy bows and large, heavy arrows that we shoot today. Maybe that's because we are taller than indians. But whatever the reason, it is fascinating to examine and handle weapons that were made by people who actually based their survival on them.
Some of the bows were crude...but some of them were so incredibly well made that you aren't gonna believe it. Those indians were able to do things with wood that you wouldn't believe.....just wait till you see the pics of the super-reflexed Hupa bow!
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Interesting observations Billy.I have found the same thing in my examinations of antique weapons,especially of the arrows.Some original Maidu arrows i looked at were very small compared to what people use today.about 32" long but only about 1/4" diameter.
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I also look foreward to the article and the questions leading to subsequent discusions that will follow.I think it will challenge the stigmas associated with not only early native archery,but the way we look at modern archery as well.
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Can't wait to see your article's,this will be great.Thanks. :)
Pappy
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I am so excited
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WoW I cannot wait to see what you have to write and the photo's of the items!!!
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Great, Billy! Thanks for sharing all of that with us. I can't wait for the articles. Jawge
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Can't wait to seeeeeeeeee
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I recently went to the Native american Smithsonian in DC and was disappointed there wasn't more archery gear.
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Can't wait!
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Billy, from the teasing session you've given us so far...I'm really looking forward to the articles! Sounds like it will trully be a learning experience, and maybe will re-open some doors from the past when considering potential bow designs. Thanks in advance for the articles! :)
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Now I'm even excited :o
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Billy-what issue are these pics going to be in?thanks,Marty
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I'm not sure when the articles will be printed....it all depends on when they want to start and where they will have room. Articles usually appear anywhere from 2-6 months after submission, and I sent the first ones in around mid- Sept. So they might begin in Jan to March of 2010. I'm hoping that Ed Ingold will put an announcement in the magazine to let everyone know when they will be begin.
By the way, I've submitted all the articles except for the last one...just gotta write the captions and integrate the photos into the text, and then I'll send that one out too. I'm planning on getting the last one out by the end of this week or this weekend. Then all 6 articles will be waiting in line. It's gonna be awesome.....
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Can't hardly wait, Billy. This is going to be so informative!...and cool as ....! 8) I'm looking forward to the complete series. Thanks for your hard work and contributions to our addiction. ;)
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Sounds really interesting. I enjoy getting my education expanded with PA. I am looking forward to this series too! Thanks Billy.
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I'm looking forward to it Billy! I'm sure it will open some doors and give insights to new designs for us to give a try that aren't that new after all. Hopeful revival of knowledge that was passed down for many generations.
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Can't wait to see the articles...
We did a living history encampment last weekend and I did the archery presentation. It's always nice to learn more about the native American bows and arrows.
I was lucky enough to hands on examine a Delaware bow at the Fort Leavenworth museum a while back. The arrows and tips were much smaller than you would expect to see. The hickory bow was pretty short and not as wide limbed as we tend to make them as well...