Was the two fletch a real standard for the Cherokee?

[billy]

Part Cherokee,

I examined a few original Cherokee arrows in the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. a little over a year ago.  The shafts were mostly split hickory, about 33- 35 inches long.  Two of the arrows were made from shoots that had a pith in them...I'm assuming they were sourwood.  But ALL the arrows had the Cherokee style two-feather type of fletching that several people have posted pics of.  Also, the feathers appeared to have been put on with a twist to help them spin in flight.  But the fletching was in rather poor shape, and some didn't have any feathers at all.  They were all secured with sinew.  The feathers were cropped quite low and were lower profile than the ones people have posted pictures of, but they are basically the same except for feather height.  The fletching was wild turkey wing feathers and the arrows came from Cherokee, North Carolina, though there were no dates on the arrows that indicated when they were collected.  Hope that helps!

   

[Woodland Roamer]

Nice arrows and info everyone. I've wondered why Al Herrin said that in TTB as well. I think Steve answered my question there. I'll add a pic of one of my two fletch arrows for the heck of it. This one is wild turkey tail feathers. I think they work great and are easy and quick to do once you get the hang of it.
Alan

[hawkbow]

One more question brothers, with these type of feathes, has anyone had problems with the feathers hanging up in brushy shot situations? looks like the helicle would grab  or catch limbs if the feathers weren't glued down.. I am not being critical of an age old design, just plan on building some for hunting and am particular about my arrows   thanks .. Hawk

[Pat B]

Mike, I've never considered that situation but I could see where it could happen. The arrow I got from Art with the 2 fletch is wrapped the full length of the feathers. On my last 2 fletch arrows(hybrid design) I use a bit of fletch tape in the center of the feathers to hold the feathers to the shaft along with the wrap, forward and aft. It eliminated any noise when shot also.
   With 90deg of helical or twist to the 2 fletch, the arrow spins thus helping to eliminate any wind planing.
These are 3 of my last season hunting arrows. Two Cherokee style 2 fletch(my version) and one of my hybrid 2 fletch. And the next pic is Art's version of the Cherokee 2 fletch.

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[hawkbow]

I really like the primitive look and simplicity of the arrows..they would be great for wingshooting. easy to make and less feathers to lose Hawk

[hedgeapple]

PatB, it looks like your arrows are fletched with the back side of the feathers on the outside.  Is that the case or is it just the picture.  It seem it would make sense doing it that way to maintain the same twist while being able to use both wings.  Such left wings front side of the feather and right wings back side of the feathers out and the arrow would spin the same direction.  Is this anywhere near correct?

[Pat B]

Yes, The back side of the feather is out. I think you get a better fletching with the feathers set that way. It may also depend on the feather you are using, whether it be primary flight feathers, secondary wing feathers or tail feathers but for me, they work best inside out....and they all work for this type of fletching.

[Hillbilly]

Hedgeapple, the main reason I always put the dull side out with this type of fletching is because of the direction of curvature on the feather. If you put the shiny side out, the feather curves away from the shaft and leaves space between the shaft and feather. I'm now working on an article for PA about this style of fletching.

[part Cherokee]

Hey guys thank you so much guys. This has been a question in my mind for a while.
This sight rules!!!

[hedgeapple]

Thanks Hillbilly and PatB

[billy]

The arrows I saw in the smithsonian had the dull side of the feather toward the inside (or toward each other).  The top of the feather (which was the more distinct color) was toward the outside, but I guess the proof is in the pudding.  Hell, it doesn't matter if you put the feathers on backwards and upside down...if the arrow flies straight, that's all that matters!! 

 

[chasing crow]

Wow, guys this is great information. My wife is about 80% Cherokee and I have been interested in the culture for years. I have a basket quiver and two 2 feather fletched cane arrows I bought on the Reservation in North Carolina. I have just become interested in primitive archery and those 2 arrows are calling me. I told my wife I intended to research the fleching and try my first arrow making using this technique. I am very excited to try it now! By the way, I have not been there in several years, but the museum in Cherokee, NC is fabulous and I think they have upgraded it just recently. I now can't wait to return.
Chasing Crow 

[nugget]

As far as feathers go, I have had problems using 2 different feathers. By mistake I put a right and left wing secondary on the same shaft. The arrow flew like crap if it was put on the string one way, but if you flipped it over it flew good when put on the string the other way. I was tring to put 2 different colored feathers on so it would look better and messed the whole thing up. 1 of the feathers was stronger than the other, and it wind plained bad.
TJ

[mullet]

 One thing I have noticed is if you use two secondary feathers, Whether turned dull side in or reverse them so they lay down, when you add a stone point with some weight forward it fly's like a dart. I still mount the full secondaries with a slight twist.