Hey guys,
I have recently come across what I think to be a very interesting selfbow.  One of the guys I work with is full blooded Cherokee, and has this bow that a friend and fellow Cherokee made for him.  It is hickory, that much I am fairly certain of.  He tells me that it is a very accurate representation of traditional Cherokee bows, which I honestly know nothing about.  I haven't put it on a scale, but it feels like it pulls about 30 or 35 pounds.  I will try to get some photos up shortly.  If any of you selfbow guys could offer any information it would be really neat.

Thanks,

Jake

I'm no expert but here is a replica osage cherokee style bow I built and killed several deer with it.

Sorry for the poor pics, and the messy office.  Is this anything to get excited about?

Thanks guys,

Jake

In Jim Hamm and Steve Allely's book "Encyclopedia of Native American Bows, Arrows and Quivers" the Cherokee(Eastern Woodland style) bows were typically made from locust or hickory,53" to 68" long(depending whether hunting or war), 1 1/8" to 2" wide at the handle(widest point), rectangular cross section with diamond shaped string nocks or single side nocks, typically with a rawhide(squirrel or ground hog) string. These bows varied in draw weight but some of the war bows pulled 100#+.
Can you post more detailed pics? String nocks, unbraced side view and full back profile, braced and full draw.

I will try to get some more detailed pictures up later today.

Jake