Author Topic: Pre-Historic Bow Finish Information  (Read 1474 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Nashoba

  • Member
  • Posts: 31
Pre-Historic Bow Finish Information
« on: April 15, 2013, 04:28:20 pm »
Chin Chookma Ikanama? (How are you friends)
I am currently working on an essay concerning wood protection and durability. The part I am on now is sort of an overview of the history of wood finishes. Being the toxophilaholic I am, I am using bow finishes to illustrate the early use of wood finishes. My question is this; does anyone have resources concerning archeological bow discoveries where a specific product (bear grease, beeswax, pine resin etc.) was identified? Any other pertinent information would be welcome. Thanks!   
« Last Edit: April 15, 2013, 06:25:26 pm by Nashoba »

Offline bubby

  • Member
  • Posts: 11,054
Re: Pre-Historic Bow Finish Information
« Reply #1 on: April 15, 2013, 05:50:04 pm »
halfeye is a friggin' encyclopedia when it comes to stuff like what you want to know
failure is an option, everyone fails, it's how you handle it that matters.
The few the proud the 27🏹

Offline IndianGuy

  • Member
  • Posts: 289
Re: Pre-Historic Bow Finish Information
« Reply #2 on: April 15, 2013, 05:57:08 pm »
Nashoba...Chickasaw or Choctaw?  :o

Offline Nashoba

  • Member
  • Posts: 31
Re: Pre-Historic Bow Finish Information
« Reply #3 on: April 15, 2013, 06:22:58 pm »
Chickasaw! My mom is half blooded.

Offline JackCrafty

  • Global Moderator
  • Member
  • Posts: 5,628
  • Sorry Officer, I was just gathering "materials".
Re: Pre-Historic Bow Finish Information
« Reply #4 on: April 15, 2013, 09:30:52 pm »
There is very little info on this, unfortunately.  What I can say is that the paint was often the only finish.  These paints were most often hide glue or blood mixed with pigments like charcoal, ocre, clay, etc..

I will look for more info.  I've wondered about this too but it's easy to take word-of-mouth information and call it good.  Archeological studies are best, of course, especially for what you are working on.

Burnishing was also a popular "finish".  I have not seen any evidence that burnishing was done in combination with oil or grease.  Again, I'll have to check to make sure.
Any critter tastes good with enough butter on it.

Patrick Blank
Midland, Texas
Youtube: JackCrafty, Allergic Hobbit, Patrick Blank

Where's Rock? Public Waterways, Road Cuts, Landscape Supply, Knap-Ins.
How to Cook It?  200° for 24hrs then 275° to 500° for 4hrs (depending on type), Cool for 12hr