presenting bow to tribe (s) (no pics)

[snedeker]

I am going to start excavating a big archy site in central Delaware soon, and a couple Native American Tribes are involved in the legal process of mitigating the sites -- interested parties under a memorandum of agreement with the DOT.   Delaware Muncee, Stockbridge (live in WI now) and probably Nanticoke of southern DE.   YA know, they'll visit the excavations, etc., there will be  a speech or two...

I am working on a couple of eastern Woodland bows that I thought would be nice to present to the tribal elders who attend.  An ash 60"er and a hickory 68"er. I am wondering about how to politely do this. Is it the right thing to do in the first place? Might it be insulting?  How to intitiate the topic "Hey Cheif, here's a bow"?   I'm mindful of the Sienfeld episode in which Jerry asks the Asian dude on the street where to find a good chinese restaurant.

Dave

[Pat B]

Dave, That is a cool idea and I'm sure it will be appreciated. You could present it as your attempt to copy their style of bow and present it as a gift to them as such. I would think they would appreciate your gesture. Just don't ask them where a good pemmican restaurant could be found!     Pat

[George Tsoukalas]

I think it is a kind gesture and I'm sure they will see it the same way. 'I've been working on a gift for you. I hope you like this bow." Jawge

[sailordad]

heck ya that we be sweet.

ifn someone came up to me and said "i've been working on this gift for you,hope you like this bow"

i know i would be grateful and appreciative of the gift.

go for it, i think they will love the gesture.

                                                      peace,
                                                            tim

[Dane]

Dave, I'd just present the bows in the spirit they are intended, and I think they will be honored. It will not be bad to build a little birdge betwen cultures, too. And your archeological work, I imagine, is also a knowledge birdge that we all benefit from, Native and Non-Native.

Dane

[Badbill]

Well, as a member of the Lower Sioux Indian Community, and a former Council member, I can tell you this. WHERE'S MINE! oops!  Uhm, what I meant to say was I think they will love both the gift and the gesture. It is a real nice thought. In the Dakota tribes We give out Star blankets. You can buy them, but we only give them to the people that we love. If their culture is anything like ours the gift will be well taken.

[snedeker]

Thanks for the advice. It should be cool. I'll get some pics.  It will a while.

Dave

[JackCrafty]

Cool.

I've got a friend who asked me to make a NA style archery set for his father.  (They have Native American ancestry).  Anyway, I made the set (Comanche style)  just in time for father's day and his Dad LOVES it.  But when I met him for the first time a few days ago...he said what he really wants is a war bonnet...and asked me if I could make him one to go along with the archery set!

If I were you, I think I would ask one of the elders, "I make primitive archery stuff, and I was thinking of making an Eastern Woodlands bow for you...would that be OK?  Also, is there a specific style that you would prefer?"  I think asking first would be respectful and ensure that the gift is well received.  Whatcha think?


PS.  Anyone got any ideas on where to find a good book/video on war bonnets of Plains Indians?  The good ones seem to be out of print or sold out.

[El Destructo]

Email Bob......Coo Wah Chobee ....  he would know how not to step on Toes.....What would be proprer...and what would be concidered Taboo... I am part Ojibwe but was not raised Anishinaabe.... you need someone that is up on all Traditions....and I agree with Jackcrafty...it would be Courteous to Ask abead of time....in Private.....

I know among Ojibwe....Quillwork is a traditional Gift .....along with Beadwork ..........good luck