Years ago, I used to post on these forums. Alas, I couldn't remember my username so created a new account.
At any rate, thought I'd drop in and post. Built this little bow from a dead Juniper limb. Was actually lucky enough to get two bows from the same limb... though the one, of the inferior side of the limb, is a non-shooter, residing in a display at a school. It is nearly identical to this one but without the snakeskin and a string made of dogbane rather than sinew, and one layer of sinew instead of two. I fashioned both after those collected in Southern California during the 19th century.
This bow is ~40" long and ~1 3/8" wide at the handle, which is ~3/4" thick. I applied the sinew with glue made from sinew scraps. The string is elk sinew and the handle and recurves are smoked braintan done the traditional way. The black pigment on the tips is charcoal rubbed into the sinew glue used in the wraps. To add a little sheen to the belly, I rubbed in some elk fat. Zero man-made materials used. Shoots nicely but needs retillered.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXJOapI5-lM[/youtube]
