Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Primitive Skills => Topic started by: Zuma on April 05, 2014, 10:02:24 am

Title: Helena's Cordage
Post by: Zuma on April 05, 2014, 10:02:24 am

I had the pleasure of a visit with Helena the other day.
She showed me a sampeling of her cordage. She now prefers the triple braid.
She has made some full fledged fish nets over the winter also.
She also had some deer and bear skin pouches,bags and quivers.
I need to get some pics of them posted too.
Zuma
Pay no mind to the spelling lol

Title: Re: Helena's Cordage
Post by: lebhuntfish on April 05, 2014, 10:22:24 am

I didn't know you could use honeysuckle for cordage. That's cool!

Title: Re: Helena's Cordage
Post by: Mohawk13 on April 05, 2014, 03:06:26 pm

Nice. Tons of basswood in My area. May have to try making some.

Title: Re: Helena's Cordage
Post by: nclonghunter on April 06, 2014, 12:20:33 am

Helena has some skills. Beautiful work!

Title: Re: Helena's Cordage
Post by: Zuma on April 07, 2014, 10:43:14 am

I will pass on the kind comments to Helena. I wish I could put down the flint long enough to give it a try.
I think using the textiles give a certain flare to abo crafts.
It sure would be an important skill if truly lost far from a twine store.
Zuma

Title: Re: Helena's Cordage
Post by: bowtarist on April 07, 2014, 03:39:54 pm

Cool Stuff there Zuma. Is that bush honeysuckle or vine? I've used yucca and milkweed, but have found a lot of dog bane along the road lately, gonna go back this summer and get some. Only problem w/ that stuff is I have to keep my dog from drinking out of it as it rets. I hear it will kill her dead if she drinks the water. All Helena's cordage has been retted hasn't it? Cool Stuff!! dp

Title: Re: Helena's Cordage
Post by: Zuma on April 10, 2014, 11:02:26 am

Hi bowtarist,
I will have to ask Helena. It is a good way for me to learn about this fascinating
facet of ancient living.
Zuma

Title: Re: Helena's Cordage
Post by: zenart on April 15, 2014, 06:03:28 am

very nice. love to see quiver pix.. i need a good pattern or build-a-long for quiver

Title: Re: Helena's Cordage
Post by: Zuma on April 15, 2014, 08:59:49 am

I have not heard from Helena for awhile.
I will be out of town for awhile also.
But I will get some more info and pics up in the near future.
Check out Primitive Tim's "Nutria Quiver" thread.

Title: Re: Helena's Cordage
Post by: zenart on April 15, 2014, 07:25:37 pm

Ok cool. I'll be looking out for 'em. The Nutria Quiver is creative! So guessing you did same with the Otter?  :)

Title: Re: Helena's Cordage
Post by: Zuma on April 18, 2014, 12:06:18 pm

I paid $125 for an otter skin in Florida. Looks good on the wall. Tim made the nutria one. Low dollar and would probably be my preference. Youd need to shorten the otter skin or have very long arrows. Maybe a atatal quiver?
Zuma

Title: Re: Helena's Cordage
Post by: Zuma on April 27, 2014, 12:59:48 pm

OK, here is what Helena told me this morning.
Retting or (washing) the dogbane is a must.
Honeysuckle vine and yucca raw.
Soak the wood fibers in clear water for a few weeks.
I hope that helps.
Zuma