Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: TDFoutdoors on February 07, 2023, 03:56:56 pm

Title: What is the point/purpose of Scalloped bows
Post by: TDFoutdoors on February 07, 2023, 03:56:56 pm

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.

Title: Re: What is the point/purpose of Scalloped bows
Post by: Jim Davis on February 07, 2023, 06:12:26 pm

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.

Title: Re: What is the point/purpose of Scalloped bows
Post by: Aaron1726 on February 07, 2023, 06:55:09 pm

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

Title: Re: What is the point/purpose of Scalloped bows
Post by: Hamish on February 08, 2023, 01:13:53 am

The purpose is to look cool.

Title: Re: What is the point/purpose of Scalloped bows
Post by: Eric Krewson on February 08, 2023, 08:49:22 am

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.

Title: Re: What is the point/purpose of Scalloped bows
Post by: bradsmith2010 on February 09, 2023, 01:10:13 pm

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

Title: Re: What is the point/purpose of Scalloped bows
Post by: Pat B on February 09, 2023, 01:39:14 pm

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"  8)   :OK

Title: Re: What is the point/purpose of Scalloped bows
Post by: Aksel on February 09, 2023, 01:43:28 pm

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?

Title: Re: What is the point/purpose of Scalloped bows
Post by: Parnell on February 10, 2023, 08:39:25 am

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

Title: Re: What is the point/purpose of Scalloped bows
Post by: bjrogg on February 10, 2023, 09:25:27 am

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

Title: Re: What is the point/purpose of Scalloped bows
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on February 10, 2023, 12:10:28 pm

I'm quite certain the scallops defined tribes.