Lots of good info on our native american brothers and there bows , keep up the good work !

Mike

I was quite surprised that in the Smithsonian's  Museum of American Indians, in Washington, DC. that there was a larger display of guns used against Native Americans than there were bows built by Native Americans. It was almost like it was taboo to even ask about bows.    Pat

As for early native draw weights,there were various draw weights,as there are today.Native people,were in fact people just the same.Some prefered heavier weights and some lighter.No different than anybody else.It has been my observation,that the arrow was of greater importance to early native people,for increased penetration.Great pains were taken to manufacture the perfect arrow,for the task at hand.Recently,Billy Berger,did an experimentand published his findings,in PA magazine.He found,what early native people had known for a long time.With proper arrows,higher draw weights were not necessary for proper penetration,in hunting larger game.Unfortunately,current game laws,often prevent us from useing this wisdom.

Billy's article and experimentation with "bird" points was quite interesting. Most of what we consider as primitive arrowheads today were probably knife blades or atlatl points. It makes since to use small heads for the penetration factor and they will take any animal if the shot placement is right.

Good stuff has weaved it's way around my original question. Those of you worried about "hijacking" my thread-no worries, it filled in the cracks and was very informative in the process.
Thanks all.

Dan

Bradd,

Is it your opinion that the book, American Indian Archery by Reginald and Gladys Laubin, is mostly wrong? I always thought it was an informative book.

Barney

Native American Bows, Arrows and Quivers by Otis Tuston Mason.  Written in the 19th century, a lot of good info, most is on the western and north western areas of North America.  Bill

Bradd, the book is on the google book search. I'd be interested in your opinion.

Thanks, Barney

I saw a whole outfit from the 1860s/1870s for sale in Jackson, WY in a museum like antique shop specializing in Indian artifacts.  Bow, arrows, quiver, bowcase.  A cool $275,000 would take it home.