What is the point/purpose of Scalloped bows

[TDFoutdoors]

I've been facinated by scalloped Great lakes style bows. I can guess that the reason for adding them is for decoration, but were they used in the same context as non-scalloped bows(as in were they used for a specific purpose, such as war or ceremony, or general use). Could they be used by anyone, or were they only used by people in positions of power, or people with a specific job/role?

This isn't really a straight forward question. But any thoughts or answers would be appreciated.

[Jim Davis]

I've never read of anybody of my thinking on this, but recognizing that there are few straight lines in nature, straight edges on bow limbs would stand out. Scalloped edges would not.

[Aaron1726]

I have wondered the same thing, hopefully someone has the answers.

[Hamish]

The purpose is to look cool.

[Eric Krewson]

All creative efforts have a regional flair to them, one guy makes an object, others close by think the object is unique and copy the original object.

Twin Oak bows are different from N Alabama bows and so forth.

In muzzle loading rifles we call these regional differences "schools". A person may refer to a particular style as having been influenced by the Lancaster school in PA.

[bradsmith2010]

I made one one time by commission, it worked fine,,I feel it was mostly decorative,, but just guessing,,sometimes there are deeper meanings that have been lost

[Pat B]

I have a scalloped bow that Halfeye(Rich) sent me. Too bad he's not around anymore. I'd bet he would have an educated guess.
 I like Hamish's answer..."The purpose is to look cool"     

[Aksel]

Could the scallops originally have been used to help aiming, like gap shooting ( maybe they started out only around the grip and later developed into a style and spreading over the bows full length) ?

If they mostly occur on the left side of the bow that would suggest it is so, maybe someone knows?

[Parnell]

I was wondering if it was an aesthetic respect to the serpent creation story the Great Lakes and Iroquois people carry…serpent like?  Dunno…

[bjrogg]

I really have no idea, but it does look cool. I think it was badly bent that made one I saw in person. Miss that guy.

I’m sure it was an artist thing too. Much like engraving on a gun.

It is very possible it had a special meaning though too.

Bjrogg

[PEARL DRUMS]

I'm quite certain the scallops defined tribes.