Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Thunder on September 04, 2016, 01:02:28 pm
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Is anyone up for it? I think it's time for a build challenge to celebrate and showcase the Native American bows and arrows. Its a simple challenge, pick a style you like and build an authentic Native American bow (short, long, sinewed, horn....), arrows and matching quivers are optional. Maybe put them through a chrono if you have that option or a flight shoot and post all the info. I understand authentic strings are a little more difficult to build so I wouldn't be all that concerned with authentic strings, although they probably would make a difference in performance. I dont want to put a deadline on this, I'd like to keep it open so we can continue to add new builds or repost old ones so we have the NA bows in one place. I know we have some extremely talented people here and I look forward to seeing some beautiful work.
Cheers
Thunder
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Hey, I am all for this! Can we do it with no power tools and extra credit goes to using tools only available in the period?
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Hey, I am all for this! Can we do it with no power tools and extra credit goes to using tools only available in the period?
That sounds like an awesome idea, feel free to post a build a long as well.
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I like the idea of the NA challenge, and also the intent to keep (the rules?) simple. I think most folks here can see the finished bows/kits, and tell where the kudos are due, whether materiel, methods, performance or authenticity are the defining features.
I dont want to put a deadline on this
Are you proposing no deadlines for entry, finish or both?
Perhaps an ongoing thread, a showcase rather than a contest?
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Good, I hate deadlines :D
wtb cherokee D bow, lakota self recurve, miwok sinew/cedar bows. though i guess tribes didn't always have bows exclusive and unique to them?..
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I like the idea of the NA challenge, and also the intent to keep (the rules?) simple. I think most folks here can see the finished bows/kits, and tell where the kudos are due, whether materiel, methods, performance or authenticity are the defining features.
I dont want to put a deadline on this
Are you proposing no deadlines for entry, finish or both?
Perhaps an ongoing thread, a showcase rather than a contest?
No deadline for either, entry or finish...the idea is to keep the thread ongoing and showcase the many different syles of NA bows/arrows.
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Love the idea. Count me in.
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Awesome idea I'm in !
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I'd like to give this a try. I'm wanting to do an early 1800's Choctaw bow for a lady friend at work that is retiring in December. This in honor of her husband that recently passed away, he was Choctaw and she is Kiowa. I had planned on just making the bow for display only but I guess I could make it low weight. I'd like to make a sinew sting but have never done it before.
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Hey Thunder, the old guy is 100% in on this sir.....about time for it also.
rich
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Spoke with tipi stuff and I think he may get in on the fun as well. Com'on curt, let's here from you.
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I'm in. I pretty much build Lakota bows exclusively so you know what I'll be posting.
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I might get in on this. Can we put a rule on finish materials and string materials?
No poly, tru oil, ect. 100% true to date finish such as rendered fats and pigment paint?
Rawhide/sinew, natural fiber string?
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I might get in on this. Can we put a rule on finish materials and string materials?
No poly, tru oil, ect. 100% true to date finish such as rendered fats and pigment paint?
Rawhide/sinew, natural fiber string?
I think everyone should be able to go as authentic as they'd like with their build. I don't want strict guild lines detering anyone away from the challenge.
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Great idea Thunder. I think I'd like to give this one a shot since there is no deadline involved. Can't wait to see all the bows.
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I might get in on this. Can we put a rule on finish materials and string materials?
No poly, tru oil, ect. 100% true to date finish such as rendered fats and pigment paint?
Rawhide/sinew, natural fiber string?
I think everyone should be able to go as authentic as they'd like with their build. I don't want strict guild lines detering anyone away from the challenge.
I'm just suggesting make the challenge a challenge.
Most here including myself have never made their own finish or sinew string, would be a good change of pace. Strive for the authenticity in the build:)
Anyways up to you amigo🏹
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Thunder
I appreciate your hesitancy to create "guide lines" or "rules", as more may feel able to participate.
But Bryce does bring up a good point...
Give us some of your thoughts as to how you define the "challenge" part. What would make one entry more notable than another?
Authenticity?
Completeness?
willie
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I'd consider it to be a challenge to oneself.
Just my thoughts
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Been looking thru pictures of some old original Soiux bows. Getting ideas.
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Thunder
I appreciate your hesitancy to create "guide lines" or "rules", as more may feel able to participate.
But Bryce does bring up a good point...
Give us some of your thoughts as to how you define the "challenge" part. What would make one entry more notable than another?
Authenticity?
I think "challenge" speaks for itself, build an authentic Native American bow, to the best of your ability, show it off. How it's built isn't my concern as I'm sure most will use modern tools, myself included. I'm not here to judge anyone's work.
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I interpreted this more as a self-challenge.
The only ones we would be trying to best are ourselves.
Having no deadline implies that it's not a "competition" amongst peers; more so a journey or experience to share amongst peers.
The "trophy" is the authenticity and completeness of the build itself.
If what I've interpreted proves to be correct, then I'll gladly participate.
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Then I really don't see the 'challenge' in the build. Sorry.
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Don't know if I can do one justice but I'll give it a shot. I just want EVERYTHING to remain respectful and I hope I don't have to explain myself.
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I'm personally ok with a competition of some kind if that is what's decided. Good either way really. Friendly competition of some sort keeps it interesting.
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I like the " no deadline" aspect of this. Count me in. I have several projects that I need to finish up first, but one of them will actually fit in with this. Curtis
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What will you guys be using as references for dimensions and what not? I know half eye has access to a bunch of libraries with native bows. I'd join in, but I just don't have access to the original woods in this desert.
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If you feel you want to make a sinew string, or your own finish feel free because I'm going to. Sorry slim I have enough competitors and am not looking for that sort of thing. A group of us decided it would be neat to showcase/exhibit and "challenge ourselves" to build a NA bow to the best of our ability.
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I'm all fired up......this look"s like half eyes and badly bent alley............... looking forward to the posts
DBar
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Hey, I'm good either way. I make bows for just no particular reason at all. Having an opportunity to do this as a group is all the better.
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Hey, I'm good either way. I make bows for just no particular reason at all. Having an opportunity to do this as a group is all the better.
Looking forward to seeing your bows too Slim
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I have seen a preview of what tipi stuff is gonna make. His will be the ones worth waiting for.
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did any natives make 55"+ pyramid shaped bows with flipped tips? I think some made pyramid shaped bows, like Hupa .. maybe. Or Modoc. But those were apparently tiny, 35" or something
gut strings?
woah. sioux bow https://s25.postimg.io/f5n3vx64f/sioux_arrow_1_fp.jpg
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did any natives make 55"+ pyramid shaped bows with flipped tips? I think some made pyramid shaped bows, like Hupa .. maybe. Or Modoc. But those were apparently tiny, 35" or something
gut strings?
woah. sioux bow https://s25.postimg.io/f5n3vx64f/sioux_arrow_1_fp.jpg
The Encyclopedia of Native American Bows Arrows & Quivers Volume 1 has an illustration of an Osage bow that is pyramidish. I'll try to post a pic for you.
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woah. sioux bow https://s25.postimg.io/f5n3vx64f/sioux_arrow_1_fp.jpg
Yeah, strung backwards as usual. ;)
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Perhaps its just reversed brace for storage?
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Figures after seeing the gull wing bows.. it looks like it'd stack less that way! But then it'd be deflexed :\
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Perhaps its just reversed brace for storage?
If it's a museum bow then no. It's either strung or not for them.
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This should be a fun build. Count me in.
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Should be fun to watch. Have fun fella's. Challenge and showcase doesn't include competition. That's cool.
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Don't know if I can do one justice but I'll give it a shot.
:)
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did any natives make 55"+ pyramid shaped bows with flipped tips? I think some made pyramid shaped bows, like Hupa .. maybe. Or Modoc. But those were apparently tiny, 35" or something
gut strings?
woah. sioux bow https://s25.postimg.io/f5n3vx64f/sioux_arrow_1_fp.jpg
Doesn't have flipped tips but....
(http://i1248.photobucket.com/albums/hh500/thundersdad/Mobile%20Uploads/20160905_080407-1_zpsccm81dzm.jpg) (http://s1248.photobucket.com/user/thundersdad/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160905_080407-1_zpsccm81dzm.jpg.html)
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I'll get this party started, great idea Thunder. I made this bow a few months ago, but then our baby showed up and I forgot to post it.
Its a Choctaw bow from the encyclopedias, and I'm fairly certain its been reproduced many times. This bow set was a gift for our Doula,
who is half Choctaw. The bow is osage, and the arrows are sour wood with deer antler points. I forget all the stats sorry guys.
Pics were taken at a "secret" tree fort in one of Vancouvers harbours. Not my usual sort of back ground, but its a pretty cool spot to drink some barley sodas ;)
(http://i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/wizardgoat/IMG_8196_zpsja57luyo.jpg) (http://s1370.photobucket.com/user/wizardgoat/media/IMG_8196_zpsja57luyo.jpg.html)
(http://i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/wizardgoat/IMG_8201_zps7inljb62.jpg) (http://s1370.photobucket.com/user/wizardgoat/media/IMG_8201_zps7inljb62.jpg.html)
(http://i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/wizardgoat/IMG_8200_zpsklfobn1a.jpg) (http://s1370.photobucket.com/user/wizardgoat/media/IMG_8200_zpsklfobn1a.jpg.html)
(http://i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/wizardgoat/IMG_8206_zpsy5bzxlyk.jpg) (http://s1370.photobucket.com/user/wizardgoat/media/IMG_8206_zpsy5bzxlyk.jpg.html)
(http://i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/wizardgoat/IMG_8203_zpswakggi16.jpg) (http://s1370.photobucket.com/user/wizardgoat/media/IMG_8203_zpswakggi16.jpg.html)
(http://i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/wizardgoat/IMG_8210_zpsdnwig79j.jpg) (http://s1370.photobucket.com/user/wizardgoat/media/IMG_8210_zpsdnwig79j.jpg.html)
(http://i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/wizardgoat/IMG_8209_zpsrpr3gyll.jpg) (http://s1370.photobucket.com/user/wizardgoat/media/IMG_8209_zpsrpr3gyll.jpg.html)
(http://i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/wizardgoat/IMG_8217_zpsz39gsx4u.jpg) (http://s1370.photobucket.com/user/wizardgoat/media/IMG_8217_zpsz39gsx4u.jpg.html)
(http://i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/wizardgoat/IMG_8216_zpsqm7r6evi.jpg) (http://s1370.photobucket.com/user/wizardgoat/media/IMG_8216_zpsqm7r6evi.jpg.html)
(http://i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/wizardgoat/a13fc213-53b1-408d-be7b-18a35b2cc09e_zpsi82kgv0x.jpg) (http://s1370.photobucket.com/user/wizardgoat/media/a13fc213-53b1-408d-be7b-18a35b2cc09e_zpsi82kgv0x.jpg.html)
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Pretty nice way to kickstart this thing off.
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Finally a thread for Native American bows, the whole reason I got into bow making. That Choctaw bow looks increadable. I'll try and post one of mine, once I figure out this picture posting thing.
Eric
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This looks fun I'll give it a shot :D
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Heck of a nice bow goat. I like it.
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That's a real beauty...thanks for getting it started!
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Very nice replica Goat and a thoughtful gift. I've seen that Choctaw bow replicated before, yours looks great and the arrows are sweet as well.
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Really beautiful wizardgoat!
Thanks Thunder
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I'm in. Maybe a Seminole or Creek.
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Good looking bow and arrows, Wizardgoat!
I'm not officially in, but I've been thinking about making a scalloped edge bow this winter from a hickory stave. I think the Fox and Chippewa tribes from my state made that type of bow. I'll use all hand tools; hatchet, rasp, and scraper, as long as I don't have to first make them from stone :o
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Wizardgoat, that's a great bow to set the tone.....thanks......very well done. I'd like to get in on this one.
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Ok, got some time in on my hopeful contribution today. This is #2 of 2 Texas Persimmon staves I started a while back. #1 said adios at about mid draw on the tiller stick. It was the lesser quality of the 2, with knots growing out of knots so, we will see what happens with this one. The stuff is hard as nails and seems pretty elastic, the knots are just persnickety. It is 51.5 inches knock to knock and about 1 3/8 inch wide at the fade. Sapling with a high crown. I think I am going to do a Sioux style bow with it. Few progress pics from stave to where it is tonight. Any and all suggestions are welcome.
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Looking forward to seeing all the bows!
Ryan, that is a sweet replica bud!
I would love to join in but not sure. I have always wanted to make a Penobscott and a siox bow. I'll see how it goes.
Patrick
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I guess I'll finish mine. It's only a year and a half coming.
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Thanks guys. Can't wait to see the other bows in this thread
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Well, guess I will give it a try. Going for a mesquite Navajo sinew backed one. Got the stave profiled and have to
straighten it a bit.
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This is gonna be a good thread. Great idea thunder.
And that is a killer set goat, very nice bend.
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Yep I'll enjoy seeing the bow porn.Different kinds of wood used and all.
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Slimbob,
What draw and weight are you shooting for?
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Dictionary- Great question....I don't have a good answer yet. This will be the first Persimmon bow if I can coax a bow out of it so it is somewhat a trial at this point. I would like to get it to 24-25 inches. The wood is very dense and I think at 1 3/8 inch wide I should be able to get 45 lbs, if I can keep it together. I think it will work out, I'm just flying a bit blind on it.
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Persimmon makes a great bow. Made one before and it really didnt take much of a sapling to produce heavy draw weight. It loves a good heat treat too.
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For sure on the heat treating. I toasted this one yesterday. Seems to really hold its shape well.
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Here is going to be my attempt for this challenge.
The second bow shown here, a sinew backed hickory bow from " North American bows, arrows, and quivers"
now I don't have any hickory so I'm going to use HHB. I'm also going to make it longer than the original so that I can have my normal draw length, original was 3' 5"/41" my stave is 4' 2"/50"
so far I have about 30min of work into it all done so far with the knife in the pics with it ;D current Sizes are about 1 1/2" wide and around 1" thick give or take, it started about twice that size.
(http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w411/dylanholderman/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-09/6CA2165E-261A-43C2-9B04-18B4DD9F8940.jpg) (http://s1074.photobucket.com/user/dylanholderman/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-09/6CA2165E-261A-43C2-9B04-18B4DD9F8940.jpg.html)
(http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w411/dylanholderman/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-09/5738D005-CB7F-4EBF-88BC-719AEFD11F2B.jpg) (http://s1074.photobucket.com/user/dylanholderman/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-09/5738D005-CB7F-4EBF-88BC-719AEFD11F2B.jpg.html)
(http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w411/dylanholderman/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-09/96BD7F7A-1439-4BE5-9C87-3BF7C6888E8E.jpg) (http://s1074.photobucket.com/user/dylanholderman/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-09/96BD7F7A-1439-4BE5-9C87-3BF7C6888E8E.jpg.html)
(http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w411/dylanholderman/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-09/B8FA22DC-7157-40C2-9D7C-15C186D54CCF.jpg) (http://s1074.photobucket.com/user/dylanholderman/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-09/B8FA22DC-7157-40C2-9D7C-15C186D54CCF.jpg.html)
(http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w411/dylanholderman/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-09/2756BDC3-A515-486A-93CE-C85228F7965E.jpg) (http://s1074.photobucket.com/user/dylanholderman/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-09/2756BDC3-A515-486A-93CE-C85228F7965E.jpg.html)
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A few years ago PA had several issues on Native American bows & arrows held by the Smithsonian .I believe many were captured by soldiers after a battle
Unfortunately I do not know the issue #s.
All were great articles
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I think I'm going to have to get into this one also. Sounds like fun. I'll peruse my books and come up with my challenge.
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The treasures of the Smithsonian was the Native American bows articles. I just ordered the back issues a few weeks ago after some research trying to find them. They are volume 18 if anyone wants to know. I would love to see more articles like that in PA with bows from museums.
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Here is what I have going on so far. Its a all heartwood sinew backed yew.
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Good looking stick Marlen.
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Thanks slimbob I don't know what I'm going with it yet. I'll start to tiller it slowly and see which way it wants to go.
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That sound like how most of mine start off. 8)
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I'm in. I pretty much build Lakota bows exclusively so you know what I'll be posting.
Well, duh! No matter what style you build, it will be a Lakota bow, silly feller!
Lemme know if you want another piece of that yeller wood, feller, I got a couple more pieces that need homes.
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Progress pics anyone? I'm watching this thread with interest.
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Ya got me JW. I suppose I better take a pic of the finished product of the yeller wood you got me. By the way, your darn tootin I need more yeller wood.
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Ya got me JW. I suppose I better take a pic of the finished product of the yeller wood you got me. By the way, your darn tootin I need more yeller wood.
You know how to reach me...
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Here's one i built a few years back using measurements from an Ishi bow and adjusting according to how he measured his bows for length and width(http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt320/bubncheryl/ishi%20bow/29ae0fa4-f063-4b86-9828-acbf18bbd88f_zps4cd1fb8f.jpg) (http://s623.photobucket.com/user/bubncheryl/media/ishi%20bow/29ae0fa4-f063-4b86-9828-acbf18bbd88f_zps4cd1fb8f.jpg.html)
(http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt320/bubncheryl/ishi%20bow/dba6af49-07f1-4b39-874b-55b2e4f17dfd_zps5500d367.jpg) (http://s623.photobucket.com/user/bubncheryl/media/ishi%20bow/dba6af49-07f1-4b39-874b-55b2e4f17dfd_zps5500d367.jpg.html)
(http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt320/bubncheryl/ishi%20bow/CAM01056_zps1p4iz5hf-1.jpg) (http://s623.photobucket.com/user/bubncheryl/media/ishi%20bow/CAM01056_zps1p4iz5hf-1.jpg.html)
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Sweet! What kind of paints did you use on this one bubby?
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All i had was craft paints next time i shiuld use pigment paint
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Hey, I think it looks really good, paint and all. You know, by the reservation period all sorts of paints were used. The earth pigments are are cool though.
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Thanks slim
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Thunder, you said arrows and quiver optional, so I am working backwards. I have a stick picked out for my bow, but that will come later. I'm hoping to have this quiver completed in a couple of weeks. I still have quite a ways to go on it. This is Dictionary's sneak peek. I'll do arrows once the quiver is complete, and then the bow. Curtis
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I quit!
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Thunder,
Sort of the same situation with the old man. I have built a couple Great Lakes bows to get "warmed up" and am also working on a Otter quiver and bowcase, and some split timber ash arrows.
I'll post the plain bows if you are interested..... I am taking this challenge very seriously.
rich
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Alright, not quiting. But that quiver is just....to cool.
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I might have ruined this stave :-[
I steamed backset(I thing that's the right term) into it and it looked good but once I got it back to a low brace again all the backset pulled out, and I found I can easily push it back and forth and it will hold where ever I leave it :-X
(http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w411/dylanholderman/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-09/AC3DDDF3-351F-4B2A-A6F1-FDD5B68B3A85.jpg) (http://s1074.photobucket.com/user/dylanholderman/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-09/AC3DDDF3-351F-4B2A-A6F1-FDD5B68B3A85.jpg.html)
(http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w411/dylanholderman/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-09/9F1E0C41-6522-49B1-BD99-9DB3A052E736.jpg) (http://s1074.photobucket.com/user/dylanholderman/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-09/9F1E0C41-6522-49B1-BD99-9DB3A052E736.jpg.html)
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Thunder, you said arrows and quiver optional, so I am working backwards. I have a stick picked out for my bow, but that will come later. I'm hoping to have this quiver completed in a couple of weeks. I still have quite a ways to go on it. This is Dictionary's sneak peek. I'll do arrows once the quiver is complete, and then the bow. Curtis
That is beautiful, can't wait to see the rest of it.
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Thunder,
Sort of the same situation with the old man. I have built a couple Great Lakes bows to get "warmed up" and am also working on a Otter quiver and bowcase, and some split timber ash arrows.
I'll post the plain bows if you are interested..... I am taking this challenge very seriously.
rich
Hey Rich,
Post whenever you'd like, I've been tied up with one of my biggest clients since the day after I posted the challenge. I have managed to get 2 staves cleaned up and ready to go, but wont be able to get much done until this weekend.
Cheers
Thunder
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Dylan I would recommend the next time you leave the handle area a little thicker for back set. This helps cut down on the stave wanting to straighten out.
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Here's one i built a few years back using measurements from an Ishi bow and adjusting according to how he measured his bows for length and width(http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt320/bubncheryl/ishi%20bow/29ae0fa4-f063-4b86-9828-acbf18bbd88f_zps4cd1fb8f.jpg) (http://s623.photobucket.com/user/bubncheryl/media/ishi%20bow/29ae0fa4-f063-4b86-9828-acbf18bbd88f_zps4cd1fb8f.jpg.html)
(http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt320/bubncheryl/ishi%20bow/dba6af49-07f1-4b39-874b-55b2e4f17dfd_zps5500d367.jpg) (http://s623.photobucket.com/user/bubncheryl/media/ishi%20bow/dba6af49-07f1-4b39-874b-55b2e4f17dfd_zps5500d367.jpg.html)
(http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt320/bubncheryl/ishi%20bow/CAM01056_zps1p4iz5hf-1.jpg) (http://s623.photobucket.com/user/bubncheryl/media/ishi%20bow/CAM01056_zps1p4iz5hf-1.jpg.html)
Hey bubby
That is some awesome work...how about posting some specs? Wood? Length? Etc?...curious minds want to know. ;)
Cheers
Thunder
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Thought I would post my "warm-up" efforts. I made a couple of bows, which are replicas of Eastern bows in museums. Both are made from scraps from the ironwood bow I recently made for Turtle.
First bow is a copy of a Bodewadmi bow located at the NMAI. Mine is 51", Ironwood self bow, 44#@25", made with stone tools, stained with boiled tobacco, and the finish is pitch/bees wax/ and grease. My string is single ply raw-hide but differs from the original in that mine does not have the "hair on". I think it is a fair representation of a plain Great Lakes style.
The second bow is also ironwood, 47" sinew backed double curved. The bow is NOT skinned but is painted with oxide pigment in glue, then finished with the usual pitch and grease. Made with steel tools. The bow is painted in the common (Ojibwe) Chippewa manner of solid color with bands at mid limb....I reversed the color palate from a actual portrait picture....
Hope you like them. PS: now on to the serious work.
rich
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some more bow one
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bow 2
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last ones
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Rich that's pretty good work for an old dude ;) I been real busy but I'm about ready to start on something. Got two staves ready to go.
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Nice work Rich!
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This is incredible! Can't wait to see more!
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Really nice Rich.
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I like your work Rich......educational and inspirational. Keep it coming.
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Thank you all for the compliments, this is why I want to be a part of this. Native American bows are both beautiful and simple.....sort of perfection 8) Even the most simple ones are exquisite and the more complicated are all magnificent. I'm glad to have a small part of showcasing bows and culture that is enviable.
Thanks again
rich
PS: Tipi....that is some fine bead work right there, just beautiful
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Thanks Rich. I've been checking out the photos as they come trickling in. I like all of the ones I've seen, but I have to admit that I'm a bit partial to that green one with the scalloped edge. Those eastern bows are a bit out of my area of expertise, but I may have to make one some day. Curtis
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Hey fellas, thought I'd put up or shut up. Here's an osage gull wing I finished up recently. Its 46 ttt with a buffalo sinew string. Pulls a heavy 55 lbs at 21 inches. Its finished with Deer fat and bees wax with blue earth paint. The stave was gifted to me from JW Halverson, thanks Jon. Nothing too fancy about this one. Pic is heavy, enjoy.
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Nice work OB. Like that one a bunch!
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Very nice Rich. Man you have been busy.
Oglala I sure like the profile on that one. Great job.
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Oglala....that right there is pure poetry man, just superb sir. Someday I have to learn how to make a sinew string, very nice.
Thanks Tipi....you guys could make 'em in your sleep, they are pretty simple and straight forward.
Thank you Redhand
Thank you Slimbob, Drewster, and thats about enough out of you Mr. W
rich
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Very cool oglala bowyer
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Those are ALL some great looking bows Gents!
Rich, I gotta ask, is that second bow that you posted the pictures of named "John Deere"... ;)
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I'm enjoying all these N.A. Bows keep them coming!
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Thanks for the comments. I'll have a few more posted after work sometime.
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Hey fellas, thought I'd put up or shut up. Here's an osage gull wing I finished up recently. Its 46 ttt with a buffalo sinew string. Pulls a heavy 55 lbs at 21 inches. Its finished with Deer fat and bees wax with blue earth paint. The stave was gifted to me from JW Halverson, thanks Jon. Nothing too fancy about this one. Pic is heavy, enjoy.
You shoulda heard that piece of wood whoop and holler when I told it where it was going! It really wanted to be a great bow and it was nervous every time I pulled it out and handled it. Looks like that stave's dreams all came true!
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Nice Oglala! Short bows are right up my alley. Y'all keep posting........ Curtis
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Rich and Oglala those all natural/primitive bows you guys made look awesome...That's keep'n it real...Awesome work 8) 8) 8)
Don
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Finished tillering on this one. Still need to do handle wrap and make a rawhide string. 46" ntn 47# @ 22".
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Beautiful Jon love it bet it's a great shooter !
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Beautiful Jon love it bet it's a great shooter !
+1 !
DBar
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I like the shape on that one JonW!
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Fine looking weapon, Mr Jon.
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Like that Jon. Really nice.
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Nice shorty there Jon, looks like the real deal. Hows a gull wing shoot in your opinion? I've never shot one before so I'm just curious about smoothness of draw, cast and accuracy. The look the near exact reverse in profile of some d/r bows.
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Nice shorty there Jon, looks like the real deal. Hows a gull wing shoot in your opinion? I've never shot one before so I'm just curious about smoothness of draw, cast and accuracy. The look the near exact reverse in profile of some d/r bows.
this, it almost seems like it'd be worse than a straight bow, but is it?
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Greg they draw real smooth IMO. Cast kinda depends on the tiller ;) The one thing that seems to be inherent to the design is they buck a little. Not horrible as I have shot regular bows that buck. Some worse than others. Try it you will like it. Accuracy is relative to the archer.
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Just a quick progress report. Very busy time last month or so and I have been able to squeeze in 30 minutes here and there. Tempered it again a week ago, and got to scrape on it a bit today. Enough to get a string on it, but it's still a ways off. Really like this persimmon a lot. It's not Osage, but it has some of the same qualities I think.
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I thought I was the only one that had to build a bow 30 minutes here & there lol I will be watching for a shooting report on that one should make a nice bow
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Thanks Stick. I feel privileged to get 30 minutes at times. Familie's gone for the weekend so I got some SLIMBOB time today.
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I'm liking the look of that stick SLIMBOB! can't wait to see it drawn. Cheers- Brendan
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While the cat's away....I got to play for a bit this morning. Reworked the reflex on the tips to get them perfect before finishing the tiller up. Crude setup but it keeps me outdoors in the fresh air, and it works. It's cooling down right now (the weather and the bow). I will check the tiller here shortly. Getting close.
Ah...Better.
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Nice! Those make it look all the better! Cheers- Brendan
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Very nice profile looks perfect at brace !
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Well...2 up,2 down with Persimmon. This one broke just like the first. Tiller was good, no real problem areas. Had it on the tree to 20 inches, shooting for 25 inches. 36 lbs at 20 inches. Took it off the tree and touched up a few little spots. All looked good, drew it to 20 inches, no problems. Let up and drew again to 21 inches and BANG! Tension failure. The nearby knot doesn't seem to be the problem as it broke about an inch before it. I'm gonna have a cold craft beer now. Ugly Pug I think it's called. :laugh:
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Is that PVC? Oh my eyes!!
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PVC? That's neither a Native American or primitive styled bow.
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That sucks slimbob. Hope the ugly pug was good! Cheers- Brendan
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Well...2 up,2 down with Persimmon. This one broke just like the first. Tiller was good, no real problem areas. Had it on the tree to 20 inches, shooting for 25 inches. 36 lbs at 20 inches. Took it off the tree and touched up a few little spots. All looked good, drew it to 20 inches, no problems. Let up and drew again to 21 inches and BANG! Tension failure. The nearby knot doesn't seem to be the problem as it broke about an inch before it. I'm gonna have a cold craft beer now. Ugly Pug I think it's called. :laugh:
Hey SLIMBOB
I'm not sure what the deal is with Persimmon, but that happened to my cousin's Persimmon bow. He put a couple hundred arrows throught it and then BANG! It failed in tension but we couldn't really tell what the real issue was. It just decicded it didn't want to be a bow anymore. Did the Ugly Pug help a little?
Cheers
Thunder
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“ That's neither a Native American or primitive styled bow.” ... Primitive Archer Magazine Magazine Volume three Issue Four ... Hidatsa Archery , by Ron Taillon
Disclaimer , I’m not trying to pull anything over on you guys , just saying it’s the SHAPE that works !!! ... Since I’m nobody , the materials aren’t important ... These are not the droids you want ... hahahaha
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The Ugly Pug was perfect for the occasion. Truth is, I don't mind the breaks much. Reminds me to stay humble. I just can't really determine the cause here. Tiller was pretty good at this point. I was already planning the finish. I will say it seemed very dry. RH here last few days has been in the 20's plus I tempered the day before. It may have just been too low mc wise. On to the next one. It's all good.
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This will be my first bow post. A sinew backed modoc style yew bow, 44" long, draws 52 lbs@25". Muskrat fur tips, cherry bark grip, and a flax string from the garden. I know it's not NA, but it's what I have.
Right limb seems a little too eliptical. The grip looks like it may be bending a bit much, but that may be an illusion from the tiller board....seems like a light excuse to me.
Full draw on the tiller board before painting, I know, not the smartest idea, but until someone does a how-to on taking full draw pics with a camera....
I suppose I could ask my wife. I'll try that method and post more pics later with a strung profile and real full draw. Criticism would be greatly appreciated on tiller. Thanks
Eric
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I guess I lied. It won't allow me to attach photos. I'll try on a computer later, but for now, just picture it in your head based on my description. Thanks for imagining
Eric
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Let's see if this works
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Finally got it! Had to reduce imagine size
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Gpw, I ask straight up....will you please remove your post from this thread sir.... The whole idea is to highlight and enjoy Native American bows for their intrinsic beauty. PVC does not do that.
Jon, that bow is looking most excellent sir....not as good as the one ya sent me though >:D should have photos up here in a day or so.
Slimbob, sorry about your bow, I'm sure we will get to see more.
Really sweet Mr. Desert.
I'm nearly done with my two sets, and a photoshoot of the Shawnee bow that Jon W. sent me.
rich
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Nice looking bow there HD like the art work does look to me like it's bending a bit much in the handle ,how does it shoot ? nice job
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Looks awesome. It's a crime to upload those pictures so tiny, and they'll get pruned... please try an image hosting site
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It seems too shoot pretty decent, as decent as a short bow can. As much as I love short bows, they are not all that comfortable to shoot due to the string angle. They sure spit the lightweight-for-draw arrows tho.
loon....I dont know what that means. "Image hosting sight"??? like photobucket?
Eric
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like photobucket, or just https://imgur.com/upload
Short bows are perfect with my thumb draw, but I'm still not sure that I really like the stacking. Still I'm too clumsy and hit everything in my way with a long bow.
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Those short D bows are hard for me not bending to much in the handle with needing all the working limb you can get ,the one Im doing now Im trying real hard not to ,hope you can figure out how to post bigger pictures so I can admire your bow more.
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Heres a little number i'm currently working on. Its a 45.5 ttt osage. I'll be posting more pics as I go. Wish me luck
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Heres a little number i'm currently working on. Its a 45.5 ttt osage. I'll be posting more pics as I go. Wish me luck
I hear there is a cop here in Rapid City that is looking to run into you again! You kinda made an impression on him.
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Yes, I was a bit taken aback at first. I mean come on, Its not everyday a cop in uniform asks "Are you Joe?.............I hear you make bows". Talk about sweating bullets. In any case, it was good to meet him. Hope to make bow shavings with him soon.
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I'm still laughing about the guy posting a PVC bow on here....
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Sweet looking bow Eric
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well fellas, I managed to get a couple of "sets" done. This is the first one to post up.
Bow is 47" ironwood, and a replica of a Bodewadmi (Potawatomi) scalloped bow down to the scallop colors. The onlky difference is that this bow is shorter than the 54" original. The bow draws 46/47# @ 25"......the string is single ply deer raw-hide. Finish is pitch/grease/wax.
Bow case, quiver, bandolier and pendant are river otter (thank you Don Burchett and Gutshot he got the tan down perfect for my specs and made the whole job easier) I wanted to pay tribute to "Mediwewin" so all the material and decoration is of non-white type. The skin side of the strap, quiver rim, and pendant are oxide and hide glue.
The small scraps of otter hide I made a belt sheath for a matching skinner/ scalper. The knife is antler grip and the blade is Wyoming Oil Chert (very hard) made by Mr.Dan Hamblin. Hope you enjoy the pictures. Supposed to have a nephew come over tomorrow to get some full draw pics for me.
Whole bunch of pics....hope not too many. I also hope to flight shoot the bow tomorrow as well.
rich
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more pics
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couple more
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Wow Rich that set is museum quality. The bow, flint knife, otter quiver/bow case all look outstanding!
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That's some serious work man. Looks like a really great set! Can't wait to see fd on that one! Cheers- Brendan
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Absolutely stunning Rich...That Otter quiver set is beautiful...You know I have a soft spot for a scalloped shorty...The knife and case look great...That Sir is one extra nice hunting kit, Wow!!! Can't wait for full draw and more pics...
Don
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Thank you for the comments fellas. Don, Gutshot if not for you guys it for sure would not have happened. Hopefully I can get some FD pics tomorrow, and shoot some arrows across the field.
rich
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very sharp. All of it!
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HD that's a sweet looking bow!
Oglala looks like a good start to a great bow.
Rich oh wow that is a nice set up you got going on, love the skins, and to top it all off with a outstanding knife. You do killer work!
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half eye, those short scalloped bows are so sweet. I have tried a couple of those and I keep getting low poundage or too much end bend. They are hard to make and you do well with them.
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That's a cool rig there Rich.
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That's some beautiful work there Rich.
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Wow Rich! That thing crawled right out of the pages of history man. One word "Epic".
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Rich, love that one and the fact you are making working rawhide strings for all these bows.
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Beautiful bows posted on here, keep up the good work guys!
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Very nice half eye, love those scallops. And wow, killer otter quiver and bowcase. Gutshot sure knows what he is doing with that tanning.
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There are so much talent and skillful Craftsmanship being shown here. You guys are all amazing.
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That's a beautiful combo Rich Awsome !
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Thank you so much for the wonderful comments fellas. This complete rig is basically Native American and based on actual artifacts....I was trying to seriously represent the intrinsic beauty of these items so I am very glad you like them.
Especially thanks to you Native members for your comments, your approval means a lot.
rich
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Well I thought I would post my second set. The bow is a 47" ironwood, of the Chippewa double curve type. It is scalloped on one side and painted to match a "colorized" picture from about 1850 or so. The bow has one layer of deer back sinew and draws 45@ 25"....it's a snappy shooter. The first pic is that colorized plate.
The bow case is a Grey Fox and the quiver is a Red fox. When I made the "ends" of both cases I left the red fox head in the natural position but placed the Grey fox head "folded over (facing backwards) which put them "nose to nose" which I thought made for an interesting touch. The strap is some scrap hair-on leather which I dont remember what it is exactly.....so I shaved the hair and painted the flesh side and placed the paint "outward". The pendant is a "badge" of raw-hide" and painted then hung as a pendant.....The only thing I'm still debating about is weather to die the fringe for some extra color. These fox pelts were soft tanned by Mr. Gutshot.
Again I made a matching skinning/ scalping knife ( I have not quite finished the sheath for it yet). That is being made from raw-hide, which is drying right now.
Any thing you would like extra or close-up pics of of any of these "sets", please let me know. One thing I forgot to say regarding my first "set" post is that the quivers have a "plug" cut from a basswood limb and shaped to fill the quiver right at the base of the skull.....these are glued in with hide glue and sealed with wax.
Enjoy the pictures and hopefully not too many.
rich
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More
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some more
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Once again Rich you have outdone your self on another great Native American set. I like the way the foxes are nose to nose. And is the knife handle a leg bone?
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Rich,
I'm lost for words...Haven't got over the first Scalloped with Otter yet :o :o :o...Really enjoyed looking at the pictures, thank you...This is stunning...Really nice work, really nice...
Don
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Wow another beauty set. Just amazing. Really likein' the fox's! Cheers- Brendan
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Just finished this Hupa replica. 40" long sinew backed yew. 58# @ 20". Painted with red ocher picked up in California and yew ash for black. I strained both these paints through cloth to make smooth paint with no chunks. The old bow this was copied from had much brighter paint, but may have been paint from trade as it was made at the end of the 1800s. I have no doubt the Hupa had better natural paint than me, but wanted to keep it natural to the best of my ability. Brain tanned deer handle. Deer rawhide wrapped tips and a 2 ply sinew string. Hazel arrow and bobcat quiver to complete the set
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set
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Wow...
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Very nice Chuck, While the bow is every bit of your usual perfection.....I especially like the cat, exquisite sir.
rich
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Are those all sinew backed bows?
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Man Rich you sure are cranking them out. Another beautiful set. Excellent work keep them coming.
Chuck I really admire the painting on that bow. Matter of fact I admire all your work. You have a talent for these bows. Great job!
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Boys this is getting good!
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Chuck that's a very nice set. Love the art work on the bow and the bobcat made a very nice quiver
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Chuck, awesome Hupa replica, the paint is outstanding and the Bobcat is beautiful...My hands shake now and it would take me a month to paint that one...Excellent work 8)
Don
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This thread is getting better everyday! Outstanding job chuck! I feel privileged just getting to see these sets! Cheers- Brendan
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Half Eye asked me to identify the knife blade material for you guys. It is Georgetown Flint from Texas. Great stuff to knap primitive knives out of.
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Beautiful work Dan, I have one of your obsidian blades and some points also, really nice...
Don
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Dan I also have a rootbeer obsidian knife you made and some hunting points you made. You do top notch work.
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Thanks everyone. I look forward to seeing what's to come.
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The above is the bow in the Smithsonian
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Wow Chuck! That Hupa is incredible, I love everything about it. Looks like you did a fantastic job recreating that one. That bobcat quiver is really cool too
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sinew backed bamboo bow. 3 years ago.
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decoration is similar to this plant.
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Hey fellas,
I thought I would flight shoot the 4 recent Native American bows I have. Two have been posted here (with cased sets) the other two are relatively new. The dark small bow is a Mohegan / Stockbridge bow and the blue Shawnee bow was gifted to me by Jon W.
The red Chippewa bow is the only "backed" bow (1 layer of deer back sinew) the rest are self bows. The blue bow is hard maple and the rest are Ironwood. The red bow and the Potawatomi are 47", the deflexed (w/flipped tips) is 45" and the Shawnee (blue bow) is 50" ntn. The Shawnee is 50# at 25"....the other three are all low to mid 40#'s @ 25" .
Our weather finaly clear a little this morning so I went to a snowmobile dragstrip to shoot them. I drove a stake for a shoot line and used a 300 foot tape to mark the 100 yard mark......and then measured @ shot from that stake line. Temp was around 50 degrees (F), and a tail wind between 4-5 mph....not steady but gusting.
I photographed the area, equipment and shots......@ bow fired 3 arrows @ and the "midrange" distance photo was kept. The arrow is 510 grain, yellow birch, thee 6" fletch, self knock and field point. Also the arrow is cut so that it can not be drawn more than 25".
For better or worse here are the numbers....and pics. 2 sets
Red Chippewa bow... 388'-8".....raw-hide string
Potawatomi bow ..... 363'-2".....raw-hide string
Mohegan ................. 402'-7".....rolled gut string
Blue Shawnee ......... 439'-2".....B-50 string
Will have some bow pics up of the 2 non-posted as soon as their completely decorated.
rich
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second set
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Rich those numbers are respectable 8) Rolled gut string? Wow bud your getting ahead of me ;) You need to post that one up, sounds real interesting...Is that gut string from that snapper turtle you processed into rawhide? Can't wait to see the other bows :o
Don
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Great stuff Rich! Always love your work.
I have some information which may change the style (name) of your red bow though. I've seen the picture you posted of "Tail" before with different captions. I believe I've even seen him labeled Kiowa. I recognized the fellow immediately because I have another photo of him hanging on my wall wearing most of the same outfit with a few changes (scarf, hair ornament, mirror collar, etc.) It's an actual period print from a negative with photographer's stamp and label -Tail-Sioux-....Appears our friend Tail is a bit of a poser so I've always wondered about the authenticity of everything in the photos. Which items are personal affects and attire of Tail or mere studio props (ala some of Curtis' work). Especially the fact that he's holding blunts on the bow pic. I would think any brave showing off his gear would have his arrows with the points that mean business LOL...
Anyway, in my opinion, looking at the style of your bow, it could totally pass as a Lakota bow.
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Tail could totally pass for our friend Oglala Bowyer ;D
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I am aware of the problem sir. It has always amazed me what white guys will do to put a nickle in their pocket. The early photographic period is especially rife with self aggrandizing and there are a quite a few cases of studio "embellished" pictures, miss-labeling, and genuine misrepresentation.
I chose the color pattern because I have other "non studio" references so I have confidence in the color selection (red, green, white and yellow) there might be some issue with the exact pattern.....but I would have to deffer that to our Native American members to clarify. If I get information that the pattern is false you can bet it will get changed immediately.
I'm attaching an example of the "non-studio" pics that I have squirreled away. I kept this pic because of the bow case/ quiver straps being twisted raw-hide, for the 3 band case decoration, and especially the way the thunderbird is depicted.
Thank you so much for bringing up this point. There is a whole lot of miss-information to be had....weather it is/was intentional or accidental remains to be determined but shows not to trust any one source alone........maybe the exception would be information gathered directly from Tribal Elders.
rich
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Cool picture, thanks for sharing Rich
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I love loking at old photos, but there are certainly photographers who used a mish mash of props. All of these photos are staged, but each shows some great material culture. Tail's clothing is probably his own. It is classic Lakota for the time period, but was probably not worn as his normal attire. The colorized photo is a guy named Bone Necklace. His clothing is likely his own too, or at least family clothing. again, by 1899 these guys probably were not dressing this way in their day to day lives. The bow could very well be something the photographer owned, but it is defiantly the right type, as are the blunt arrows. I think these guys are both Oglalla.
The photo of the girl is very interesting for, for many reasons. I don't know their tribal affiliation, but their clothing looks more like something from the 1930's.
Like the photos, the accuracy of what you hear from tribal elders can vary also. Tribal elders nowadays are my age. They are far removed from the happenings of the nineteenth century.
I am certainly enjoying the great stuff you all are posting on here. Keep it coming!
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This is a fantastic idea. I have recently started building bows and am cutting my teeth by working my way through the Encyclopedia of Native American Bows, Arrows and Quivers. There are some beautiful examples already posted and I really look forward to seeing more as they appear.
Here is my opening gambit which is a slant on the Algonkian style. #50 at 28". Made in ash not hickory as all your lovely American hardwoods can be difficult to get in reasonable quantity and quality here.
I wrapped the handle which is not authentic but I use it in the field and this add to the comfort. If you take it off I promise there is a tortoise burned into the handle too though.
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....this is also my everyday quiver based on a modern woodland design by D C Waldorf
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Wow!!! I like the face of in the tip. So this is eastern woodlands style bow?
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Excellent carving Bin... 8) Bow looks like a shooter from here ;)
Don
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The Algonkin hail from North Eastern Michigan, Southern Quebec and Eastern Ontario I believe. They have some fantastic designs including a shorter one with a wavy line and dots pattern on the back and pointed ends. It has similar pyrography to that pictured on my bow above. This may well be my next project if I can get a nice bit of hickory. Thanks Don, this one shoots okay but not one of my favourites I have to say.
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Just to clarify something the above photos are indeed "tail" short for Porcupine Tail. His elder grandson has this photo in his home and is quite fond of it. There's been mislabeling of a lot of names. Furthermore, there is a community not far from me (20) minutes named after him "porcupine". His family lives on the northern portion of this community. And yes he is Oglala.
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Thanks Oglala. The colorized photo is marked Heyn and Matzen. The other is a Rhinehart. I think these photos were taken in Omaha, within a short span of time and during the same year. If so, the Rhinehart photo should have been taken first, and then the H and M. Heyn and Matzen are the ones who have listed him as Bone Necklace, which I realize does not necessarily mean anything. Does Porcupine Tail have any reference to the hairbrush? CC
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No I don't think there is a correlation to a hair brush. His grandson never made mention of it so I'm inclined to think there was another reason for it
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Hey fellas,
Wanted to post this bow... I mentioned it in my flight shooting numbers....but finally got the chance to do it justice. There are two sets of pictures.
The bow was made by Jon W, from hard maple, and made in the style of a museum bow attributed to the Great Shawnee Warrior Tecumseh. The museum bow has the attribution written on it's back in French. Also the original is incised carved on its belly quite elaborately but not painted.
Jon copied it exactly of course, but the Maple is so white I asked him if it would be OK to stain the wood and then paint the "back" only....he said it would be OK so here she is. 50" hard maple, 50 # @ 25", shoots hard and smooth and is going to the hunting woods for sure. One note is that the attribution is probably wrong or earnestly attributed but based on false field information. I say this because of Native American first hand accounts of the fight at Moraviatown (Tippacanoe). There were Ottawa warriors there who recounted that the reports of Tecumseh's death were wrong....and that the 4 Native warriors who were skinned were NOT him nor was the Warrior shot by Tyler. The Odawa and Shawnee warriors returned to the battle field and recovered his body which was later hidden. So I doubt the attribution......anyway here is the Shawnee bow.
Thank you so much for the fine bow Jon, it suits me very well sir.
rich
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More
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last 2.....The full draw was taken awhile ago so the bow is still in the "white.
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Great looking bow Jon! I like that one
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so ive got a question about all these. i am noticing a bunch of very bold, bright geometric designs on these bows. would bows like this just be for ceremonial use or war? i cant imagine bright bows would have been very helpful as a hunting tool
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Being inconspicuous was usually not a part of the plan.
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Man, Jon, that fd looks nice!
Rich, handle is painted also, or is that some kinda wrap?
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Knoll, just paint...on the back of the bow....grip area paint goes all the way around.
Jayman, A lot of the Great Lakes bows were "not very much painted"....but a lot of them were painted some just the edges, others most of the bow.....sometimes with bright yarn wraps as well. It is my understanding that the decoration of a bow could be determined by the maker but more often by the carrier (owner).
Slimbob, believe that you are correct. Hopefully some of the Native members could enlighten us.
rich
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Nice bow Rich, your full draw pix says it all.
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I like the lipstick Rich. Thanks for the comments guys. It was a fun bow to make.
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Intriguing profile Jon, always liked liked the looks of this Shawnee bow...Rich, nice paint and hope to see the "Mohegan and rolled gut string" soon...Great teamwork and post guys...
PS... knife case is off the chain also...
Don
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Thank you Don, That knife is the one from the "red bow" set.....the case is white-tail rawhide that Mr. Burchett sent to me....I formed it wet, and waited for it to dry up, then instead of sewing it together I made small slits and tied it together with some braintan scraps....these were tied and then fringe cut.
Also forgot to say that the color choice for the bow was done because the bow fits in the 2-Otter set like it was made for it....so I went with colors that would match the set.
rich
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Hi All,
I am new to this board and have been soaking up some of the information on here. I am also a fledgling bowyer that was inspired by antique Haida Gwaii bows displayed at the Haida Gwaii exhibit at the Canadian Museum of History. My son is a bow hunter and I thought I would try something new and make him a replica of one of the bows I have seen at the museum for this 30th birthday.
I went into my bush and selected an iron wood tree, watched a 5 part youtube series on how to make a primitive bow from scratch and way I went.
The red bow is a fairly accurate replica of the bow at the museum and is 73# @ 26" and 72" long. The green bow has the same art work but the colours are my own. It is 36# @ 28", 74" long and was a gift to my son's girl friend which also likes to shoot bows. Both bows are from the same log. The bows have a stiff mid-section since I was worried about hand shock. I would make them different now, but they have held up really well and shoot very nicely and have not developed any cracks.
The link below shows the bows:
https://goo.gl/photos/xtvsBVmbD5DMnEEJ9
I am also adding a couple of the pictures for each bow in case they don't load properly from google photos:
The next link shows Modoc Style bows where I had copied the design from the National Museum of the American Indian. I was doing well on the art work (I especially like the orange and black coloured design), but had trouble with the heavily crowned staves and ended up with fractures on the back of the bow in both bows. Since I did not have any sinew I fixed them with a fibre/carbon fibre patch on the back of the bow. They both draw ~ 55 lbs @ 26" and are 54" long
The link to pictures of those bows is listed below:
https://goo.gl/photos/q6XQhT7aj4cKHUNm8
Please let me know what you think. I am only a beginner so I am open to any criticism
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Great work everyone, thanks for posting.
I'll be posting as soon as I get a little extra time, I had my biggest clients all put me contracts right after I started this thread. Its been kinda hectic around here lately.
Cheers
Thunder
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Phillip it appears that you have mistaken the Modoc bows and their reflex and have them strung backwards from what the originals would have been. The paint would be on the back of the bow.
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Hi JonW,
Thank you for your comment. I realized this when I made the bows, but the HHB wood had such a heavy crown (was harvested from small trees) and was relatively uneven that it would have been difficult to put the art work on the back of the bow.
I now have much better staves and will make the next ones with the art work on the back and hopefully I will not break them. I have a bit more confidence now in tillering and I am also more patient :)
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Well, in a previous post I said that I was kind of working things backwards. I have almost everything done,,,,,,,,,, except the bow. The quiver is actually a revamp. I took apart an old quiver that I made about 15 years ago, and added beads and fringe. The quiver is made from an elk hide that I tanned about 20 years ago. The arrows are new and the strike a light bag is fairly new. Next,,,,,,,,,,, I've got to get a bow in there.
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Very nice! Is the bow going to match the plains style quiver?
Eric
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Yes, Southern Plains style self bow. I have the wood,,,,, but need the time! I'm thinking a 46 inch osage, single nock on upper limb, double nock on the lower. CC
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very nice work!
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Killer bow and arrow quiver. I like it! Excellent work!
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Beautiful quiver... 8) Like the arrows also...
Don
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Excellent work
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Curtis,that is some top shelf goods right there sir.
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Thanks all. Gotta get a bow in it now. CC
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Sweet! Come on down and we can work on a few bows together.
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I have been watching this thread grow in page count but purposely not opening it to read it as I knew I would have to take a load of time that I really do not have to read it ALL and ogle the pix while mopping drool from the corner of my mouth. Well, today I had a 10 minute break that I did not have to be on a conference call, so I opened it up and read it. All of it. In one sitting. Obviously, I substantially exceeded my 10 minute window and went thru a small stack of McDonald's napkins saved from a quick lunch last week for the aforementioned mopping work! This is some excellent work gentlemen! The respect and fidelity you have shown to the limited number of samples of original archaic and ancient Native American bows is very commendable. I aspire to be capable of similar work myself someday. Thanx for sharing your work and knowledge with the rest of us. Your materials and methods are impressive in and of themselves.
OneBow
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Stunning quiver and arrows tipi stuff. Large amounts of skill and artistry in those pieces, beautiful work.
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I made some progress on my bow since I last posted it. It currently sits at 43#@22 inches. I am slowly creeping my way to 25 inches, however there is a knot by the tip that worries me. Usually I would be fine with it, but this one goes all the way through to the other side. I think I will put a bison horn plug in it and see how that works. So far I put about 50 arrows through it, hopefully I will be posting more pics of it later, if it survives. lol
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here is the knot.
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I haven't been able to finish any projects lately, I've been traveling with work so much. I have a few things I'm hoping to finsh soon. Thanks for all the postings, nice work everyone.
Cheers
Thunder
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a couple of photos of a hickory eastern woodlands style with nocks inspired by an Ojibwa bow at AMNH.
64" NTN, 40# @ 27"
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That's a sweet looking stick there Willie, like every thing about it nice job !!
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I just finished painting this bow, I just need to make a string for it. I gathered up some milk weed last fall, so I will use that as the string material. This bows poundage is low 40's. I will give more details after I make the string and get more pics.
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I'm going to get in on this for sure. I live in NE Texas in the heart of Caddo country, so I've been working on early caddo equipment. I'm gonna make one bow out of hickory, and then one out of osage. Rivercane arrows with foreshafts and small talco style points knapped from local heat treated jasper cobbles. I'll post the set when I finish it.
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Marlen, you really out-did your bad self, what an outstanding piece of work.
rich
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Thanks Rich!