Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: IndianGuy on March 15, 2011, 02:42:49 pm

Title: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: IndianGuy on March 15, 2011, 02:42:49 pm
Hey Guys, Pat requested that I start a thread showing some of my bows.....So here are a few.

enjoy.

Eric

This pic is a collection of osage and hickory bows with dogwood arrows. All the bows are sinew backed and two have buffalo horn bellies.
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: IndianGuy on March 15, 2011, 02:45:47 pm
A pair of southern Plains osage short bows and Dogwood Arrows.
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: IndianGuy on March 15, 2011, 02:46:42 pm
Sinew backed osage, with dogwood arrows.
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: IndianGuy on March 15, 2011, 02:47:41 pm
Above bow on tillering stick.
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: IndianGuy on March 15, 2011, 02:48:59 pm
Sinew backed osage and dogwood arrows.
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: IndianGuy on March 15, 2011, 02:50:59 pm
Old time southern plains bowcase and quiver.
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: IndianGuy on March 15, 2011, 02:53:26 pm
1840's style brain tanned bow case and quiver combo beaded with pony beads.
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: IndianGuy on March 15, 2011, 02:56:56 pm
Dogwood hunting and practice arrows.
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: IndianGuy on March 15, 2011, 03:00:26 pm
And last one, this is me!...and yes I am American Indian!

Eric

This picture is titled "After the Shot" My wife took this right after I let an arrow fly and was slowing the horse down, It wasn't staged and came out very well.
At least she thought it did!  :)
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: keef on March 15, 2011, 03:10:40 pm
 Many, Many thanks for those photo's Indianguy. Totally inspirational, these are my favourite type of bow and they have a real authenticity in their design and finish

what a super photo of you on horseback too..

Cheers

Keith
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: NTD on March 15, 2011, 03:28:27 pm
Very awesome and thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: sailordad on March 15, 2011, 03:34:38 pm
Eric,thanks for posting pics of your bows
very nice looking sticks  8)

i do have a request for you though
could you possibly do a build along on the osier arrows?
i live in central minnesota,we have litteraly hundreds of acres of this stuff all over the place
its what i have been using to make arrows with
but i would like to make them a little more "authentic" like
thank you
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: John K on March 15, 2011, 03:35:47 pm
Thanks, I enjoyed those !
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: Pat B on March 15, 2011, 03:40:02 pm
Thanks Eric. Beautiful work!  8)  I have a Plains type bow build in the future and it is great to see the "real" stuff for guidance.
  Thanks for posting your beautiful work and your wife's photo.
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: Stiks-N-Strings on March 15, 2011, 04:26:34 pm
Very nice! Thanks for sharing.

 Stiks
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: cracker on March 15, 2011, 04:30:51 pm
Great looking work. With the short draw is it possible to hold an arrow in you're mouth for a fast follow up shot?Ron
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: osage outlaw on March 15, 2011, 04:31:34 pm
WOW!!!  Amazing bows and arrows.  Your collection would make a nice article in the magazine.
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: IndianGuy on March 15, 2011, 04:34:33 pm
Cracker, yes I usually hold 4 arrows in my bow hand, one on the string and one In my mouth when speed shooting.

Eric
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: sharpend60 on March 15, 2011, 04:39:25 pm
I like it.
Thanks for sharing.

Way to keep traditional skills alive!
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: ErictheViking on March 15, 2011, 04:45:37 pm
beautiful bows and arrows and a classic picture. many thanks for showing your collection. Eric
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: Keenan on March 15, 2011, 04:46:44 pm
Very nice work and nice paint. Mounted archery is awesome to watch and you definitely look like you know what your doing with your horse and with your bows. I'm looking forward to see more of your work and I'm glad you found this site.
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: Brock on March 15, 2011, 04:49:53 pm
very nice bows and congrats to keeping the traditions alive.  hopefully you have opportunity to share with those local to you with same reception.  very nice indeed.
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: Autumnbear on March 15, 2011, 04:58:38 pm
Very cool post! Thanks for sharing and for the pictures. Can't wait to see more of your work!!!--Josh
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: IndianGuy on March 15, 2011, 05:00:32 pm
Thank you Guys.
Yes I do give cultural lectures and shooting demonstrations on occasion, mostly to Native American kids.
My regalia (clothing and adornments) are used in ceremonial and educational purposes.
The art of Native American Bows made by Native American bowyers is beginning to be lost at an alarming rate as are many other aspects of the Native culture.
As long as the Good Lord allows me to I will make bows and arrows and share with others who love the art of bowmaking.

Eric
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: HatchA on March 15, 2011, 06:05:56 pm
Eric, beautiful work there!! 

I'll second Keenan in thanking you for joining us and Tim (Sailordad) in his request for some arrow build-alongs...  'specially your trade points ;)
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: Bill Skinner on March 15, 2011, 06:45:54 pm
Hi Eric !  Beautiful work as always.  I second or third the build alongs.  Most of the people on this site are trying to keep the skills alive.  Bill   
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: JackCrafty on March 15, 2011, 07:08:11 pm
WOW is right!  You are truely inspirational!
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: seabass on March 15, 2011, 07:38:01 pm
very cool.thank you for the look,steve
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: George Tsoukalas on March 15, 2011, 08:11:11 pm
Eric, your bows, arrows and quivers are just beautiful. Really nice to see. Jawge
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: Elktracker on March 15, 2011, 08:11:26 pm
Eric, beautiful work there!! 

I'll second Keenan in thanking you for joining us and Tim (Sailordad) in his request for some arrow build-alongs...  'specially your trade points ;)


X4 Great work and I like the photo allot, nice to have you here ;D
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: DEllis on March 15, 2011, 08:45:48 pm
Nice looking stuff. Love the pic on the pony too.
Darcy :)
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: bubby on March 15, 2011, 10:01:39 pm
WOW!!!, I love those kinda bows, great work, Bub
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: beetlebailey1977 on March 15, 2011, 10:02:17 pm
Great bows and arrows...good to see you are passing it on.  Good deal.
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: red pony on March 15, 2011, 10:49:25 pm
Thanks for sharing,  Looks like fun !!!!!
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: ricktrojanowski on March 15, 2011, 10:55:50 pm
Beautiful work, you are a true craftsman. 
Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: half eye on March 15, 2011, 10:57:00 pm
Indian guy,
       What's to say.....perfection comes to mind. Lookin at the work, dont think ya had to say you were Native American though. Absolutely outstanding.
rich
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: PaulN/KS on March 15, 2011, 11:03:56 pm
Wonderful photos! Thanks so much for sharing them with us here.
Is there a chance you could give us the  measurements of some of those bows and the arrows?
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: IndianGuy on March 15, 2011, 11:18:23 pm
As for demensions, Plains bows average 39-52"  52" being the longest I have personally seen. So all my bows are 52" or less, usually much less. I always try and make my bows draw 1/2 of their total length, when they do that I fell I have made a good bow.
Arrows are between 20"-26" not counting the points.
Eric
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: IndianGuy on March 15, 2011, 11:29:39 pm
Here is a elk horn and sinew only bow I made last year, it is 36" and has a draw length of 20", being drawn 18" in this picture. 6 layers of sinew backing, bow did not turn out exactly how I had planned but this was a first from me with elk horn and very very difficult to straighten out the twists and turns, however in the end I had a shootable bow that is very functional.
I believe the main mistake with this bow was not pushing the handle back toward the belly, it would have helped the bow tremendously. But overall i was pleased with the results.
maybe a little more bend through the mid limbs too.

Eric
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: Timo on March 16, 2011, 12:43:29 am
really cool stuff! I've only built one horn bow but am collecting materials for another one. Yours are an inspiration.!
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: ken75 on March 16, 2011, 12:53:15 am
excellent work i think you will be an inspiration to us all
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: Postman on March 16, 2011, 01:00:21 am
Simply beautiful.
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: Marc St Louis on March 16, 2011, 10:21:22 am
Some really nice work Eric
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: Stiks-N-Strings on March 16, 2011, 12:54:11 pm
Another vote for some build alongs! Are those bone heads in the pic with the horn bow? I'd love to make me some of those,Sweet setup.

 Stiks
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: HatchA on March 16, 2011, 01:05:53 pm
Another vote for some build alongs! Are those bone heads in the pic with the horn bow? I'd love to make me some of those,Sweet setup.

 Stiks

Was wondering that myself.

Nice bow and a valuable tutor for your next one ;)
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: IndianGuy on March 16, 2011, 01:49:00 pm
A few more.  osage, and a hickory, all sinew backed.
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: dragonman on March 16, 2011, 03:06:39 pm
Nice work, and really good to see there are still some native americans making bows the tradititional way, ( are there many more of you ?), keep up the good work of teaching your skills( if you dont mind me saying)....hope your gonna stick around on the PA....

Dave
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: GregB on March 16, 2011, 03:38:37 pm
Beautiful craftmanship!
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: fusizoli on March 16, 2011, 05:01:36 pm
Wow great work, very inspirational! Thanks for sharing!



Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: okiecountryboy on March 16, 2011, 10:24:39 pm
Thank you Guys.
Yes I do give cultural lectures and shooting demonstrations on occasion, mostly to Native American kids.
My regalia (clothing and adornments) are used in ceremonial and educational purposes.
The art of Native American Bows made by Native American bowyers is beginning to be lost at an alarming rate as are many other aspects of the Native culture.
As long as the Good Lord allows me to I will make bows and arrows and share with others who love the art of bowmaking.

Eric

Beautiful collection, and very well said.
I think the good Lord is gonna keep you around for a while....

Thanks for sharing
Ron
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: SA on March 17, 2011, 12:31:47 am
The art of Native American Bows made by Native American bowyers is beginning to be lost at an alarming rate as are many other aspects of the Native culture.
As long as the Good Lord allows me to I will make bows and arrows and share with others who love the art of bowmaking.

Eric

what okie said. that is a very impressive collection. i am part cherokee and have been learning to make bows over the last year and a half, its hard to ind na bowyers to teach you "especially i you dont live in the nation" so i have to learn on my own . thanks to this site and people like you i can learn a lot easier. keep posting :)

shawn,
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: Bryce H on March 17, 2011, 12:54:45 am
My GOD those are fantastic!
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: gstoneberg on March 17, 2011, 01:54:55 am
I agree, those are fantastic.    You must spend a lot of time processing sinew!

George
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: medicinewheel on March 17, 2011, 05:46:50 am
Like them all, but the elkhorn bow is FANTASTIC! how about an extra thread for that one with much mor details???? PE-LEAZE...!
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: }|{opukc on March 17, 2011, 01:47:09 pm
And last one, this is me!...and yes I am American Indian!

Eric

This picture is titled "After the Shot" My wife took this right after I let an arrow fly and was slowing the horse down, It wasn't staged and came out very well.
At least she thought it did!  :)

Bows are great, thank you for shared
George
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: Grunt on March 17, 2011, 08:16:08 pm
Pilamaya ye pilamaya yelo hey for posting your work. i'm a white guy who is traveling the red road. Lakota hosila are important the future of the red road. Pilamaya again.
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: donnieonetrack on March 17, 2011, 10:44:13 pm
Guys don't forget Eric makes his living selling his bows and arrows.  I have one of his fine bows and can assure you they shoot as good as they look!

Although we have never met in person I feel like Eric is a good friend.  He's the real deal when it comes to native archery and history.

Good job Eric, keep up the good work! 

Donnie
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: PeteC on March 17, 2011, 10:56:04 pm
Not much I can add to what has been said.Great looking equipment and pictures. Looking forward to seeing more. Very nice work. God Bless
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: Pappy on March 18, 2011, 08:30:34 am
Great bunch of pictures,thanks for sharing.Beautiful work. :)
   Pappy
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: Hrothgar on March 18, 2011, 11:17:53 am
Very nice exhibit of bows and arrows, thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: A collection of bows. ( a Request from Pat)
Post by: profsaffel on March 21, 2011, 05:06:48 pm
And last one, this is me!...and yes I am American Indian!

Eric

This picture is titled "After the Shot" My wife took this right after I let an arrow fly and was slowing the horse down, It wasn't staged and came out very well.
At least she thought it did!  :)

So, you caught the arrow with your teeth! Awesome trick! (at least that's what you can tell the neighborhood kids...)  :D

No, seriously, great work. I'm certainly a fan of the short bow. Thanks for sharing.