Northern Plains Gullwing build-along using stone/antler tools

[Airborne890]

2nd stave in form
Ethnographic images of this method being employed by a Lakota man (I believe circa 1870's). A Lakota bowyer told me that this method was used in the Winter, while the stave was held in place in the ground using stakes during the warm, summer months.

[Redhand]

I like those old pics.

[simson]

I'm watching with interest, Air!
Thanks for the pics with the natives.

[burchett.donald]

 I was looking at the second photo and noticed all the shavings in the field where he stood and reduced the stave just before he staked it down...Very cool I'll keep checking in on this...
                                                                                                                                  Don

[TimPotter]

Thank you for posting the Native pics. I've used the method in the 1st pic a lot like the way you are doing yours. But that 2nd pic is fantastic in it's simplicity. Love it.

[willie]

following along with interest. Using traditional methods must certainly give a different perspective to the craft. You must have uncovered a few new sources in your research, and I appreciate the time you have taken to post your found photos. BTW some things in the photos look a little newer than 1870, at least to my eye.
 If you should discover any info about shooting styles and practices with these type bows, I am sure that many would like to see what you find

[Airborne890]

Thanks Willie. It is almost like stepping into a time machine. It also just gives one this profound sense of appreciation for generations-past. When most people hear the word "primitive" they automatically think "inferior, barbaric, passe, etc" when in reality it's mind-boggling what "primitive" cultures did with the limited resources available.

I am learning so many new things about the craft, and can not wait to share more.

[Parnell]

Great post!  Looks like a great project and I really like that second photo.  Looking forward to seeing it all together.

[lebhuntfish]

Very cool, I will definitely be watching this on closely.
Patrick

[Airborne890]

The stave dried quicker than expected with the help of the arid climate of the High-Plains. After removing the stave from the form I washed it using a mixture of wood ashes and hot water to degrease it. I let it dry in the sun for a few hours and then rasped the back using a piece of sandstone in order to remove any trace amounts of grease still left on the surface wood. Post-degreasing and roughing I cut in a double nock for the bottom limb and a single nock with a pin (to accommodate a horse-hair tuft) for the top limb. I then used a mixture of hide and sinew glue to sinew-back it. The fibers were elk back sinew acquired in a trade from Redhand (thanks, bud!) and were an absolute pleasure to shred and use. I folded the sinew over at the tip ends and wrapped the tips.

Although I have not received ethnographic evidence of northern-plains bowyers reverse-bracing their bows while sinew seasons (evidence abound for such practices on the west-coast), I see much value in this practice and will employ it here. Finally, the bow is hung up under the roof of my patio so it can take advantage of the cool, dry air. Here it will season for at least another week-and-a-half before further tillering.

[Airborne890]

more pics

[wizardgoat]

Looking good! I wish my wood seasoned that fast here, from stump to sinew back and shooting in less than 2 months?

[Airborne890]

It remains to be seen, but I was amazed at how quickly the stave dried. What's more, the form prevented it from twisting, even a centimeter, and the grease seemed to help prevent checking by retarding moisture loss.

[Blackcoyote]

great thread, I'm enjoying this one!