Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Kviljo on November 21, 2010, 04:36:24 pm

Title: Ash Potowotami (pics)
Post by: Kviljo on November 21, 2010, 04:36:24 pm
I made an ash scalloped Potowotami bow this weekend. The original is documented in "Encyclopedia of Native American Bows, Arrows and Quivers".

When the rawhide string has dryed, I might post some full-draw photos.


(http://kviljo.no/bue/potowotami/1.jpg)

(http://kviljo.no/bue/potowotami/2.jpg)

(http://kviljo.no/bue/potowotami/3.jpg)
Title: Re: Ash Potowotami (pics)
Post by: Cameroo on November 21, 2010, 05:38:06 pm
Looks interesting.  Do the scallops serve a specific purpose?
Title: Re: Ash Potowotami (pics)
Post by: okiecountryboy on November 21, 2010, 05:41:25 pm
nice lookin...
Need more pics.
How does that rawhide hold up under normal use as a string?

God bless
Ron
Title: Re: Ash Potowotami (pics)
Post by: n2huntn on November 21, 2010, 05:45:56 pm
Looking good, like the rack too.
Jeff
Title: Re: Ash Potowotami (pics)
Post by: Kviljo on November 21, 2010, 07:00:55 pm
I don't think there is any bow-technical reason for cutting the scallops. They are probably there as a decorative feature, perhaps as camouflage breaking up some of the straight lines of the bow?

Rawhide strings are not uncommon to find on asiatic hornbows with heavy draw weights, so they work just as well as any other bow string. They are a bit heavy and elastic, but they are quick and easy to make. I haven't got too much experience with them though.
Title: Re: Ash Potowotami (pics)
Post by: Pat B on November 21, 2010, 07:12:45 pm
Very nice bow, Kviljo. Looking forward to a full draw pic.
Title: Re: Ash Potowotami (pics)
Post by: LEGIONNAIRE on November 22, 2010, 02:33:26 am
you brought this one to life out of the book, good job I like your colors.

Title: Re: Ash Potowotami (pics)
Post by: medicinewheel on November 22, 2010, 03:57:08 am
 Really nice!
How are the dimensions of the bow? Exact replica??
Title: Re: Ash Potowotami (pics)
Post by: Pappy on November 22, 2010, 07:27:40 am
Nice looking bow,like the paint work.  :) 
   Pappy
Title: Re: Ash Potowotami (pics)
Post by: Parnell on November 22, 2010, 10:39:19 am
Looks spot on to the description.  Is the length the same?  I made one awhile back but modified it a bit.  Longer length and narrow at knocks.  Good bow, my only thing is I don't care too much for how the rectangular cross section feels in my hand when shooting.  Especially when the weather is colder.
Title: Re: Ash Potowotami (pics)
Post by: sailordad on November 22, 2010, 11:49:05 am
very nice looking stick

very patiently waiting on the full draw pic  ;)
Title: Re: Ash Potowotami (pics)
Post by: Kviljo on November 22, 2010, 03:10:37 pm
No need to be patient ;)


The bow is the original length. I could probably draw it further, but I want to shoot it in first.

Auto-focus is brilliant most of the time...

(http://kviljo.no/bue/potowotami/4.jpg)

(http://kviljo.no/bue/potowotami/5.jpg)

(http://kviljo.no/bue/potowotami/6.jpg)
Title: Re: Ash Potowotami (pics)
Post by: Cameroo on November 22, 2010, 04:20:10 pm
Ok, now I'm confused  ???  In one full draw picture, it appears the painted side is the back side, and in another it appears that it's the belly?  I'm assuming you tillered on the flat side??
Title: Re: Ash Potowotami (pics)
Post by: Kviljo on November 22, 2010, 04:23:23 pm
Hehe, the paint and scallops is on the side, neither back or belly ;)
Title: Re: Ash Potowotami (pics)
Post by: RyanY on November 22, 2010, 06:38:37 pm
Nice work kviljo. Always love seeing your stuff. Way to stick with it with the rawhide string as well. You're a true master craftsman.
Title: Re: Ash Potowotami (pics)
Post by: Cameroo on November 22, 2010, 07:35:22 pm
Hehe, the paint and scallops is on the side, neither back or belly ;)

Ahh... now it makes sense.  Very strange indeed... I like it!
Title: Re: Ash Potowotami (pics)
Post by: profsaffel on December 03, 2010, 09:01:03 am
Yes sir. You know I liked those scalloped bows, and this one is especially nice. Fantastic job.
Title: Re: Ash Potowotami (pics)
Post by: ohma on December 03, 2010, 11:25:57 am
like how you did the paint work on the scallops, just a touch of paint and class.
Title: Re: Ash Potowotami (pics)
Post by: Deo on December 04, 2010, 01:55:38 am
that is one nice bow, makes me want to make one them scalloped bows.
Title: Re: Ash Potowotami (pics)
Post by: George Tsoukalas on December 04, 2010, 09:45:03 am
That is a beautiful bow. Jawge
Title: Re: Ash Potowotami (pics)
Post by: El Destructo on December 04, 2010, 10:06:02 am
Ok, now I'm confused ???  In one full draw picture, it appears the painted side is the back side, and in another it appears that it's the belly?  I'm assuming you tillered on the flat side??

Scallops are on the Side...or Sides...both Back and Belly are flat...but tillering is done as in most all other Bows...from the Belly side...I grew up building theses Bows.

Nice job recreating this from the Book...I like it.
Title: Re: Ash Potowotami (pics)
Post by: Lombard on December 04, 2010, 02:32:14 pm
Unique and nice at the same time. Can not help but wonder what thoughts were going through the head of the man who made the very first one. Can almost hear the other natives seeing it for the first time, " what in the mojo little hawk big bear kind of bow is that?" Then the others that exclaimed, "love it just gotta have it."