Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Greg DeJanes on February 20, 2018, 07:15:56 pm

Title: Rawhide backing
Post by: Greg DeJanes on February 20, 2018, 07:15:56 pm
 Did first nation peoples use rawhide to back bows without sinew. Has anyone known Osage to be backed with rawhide by native peoples?

 Trying to decide what I want to do with an Osage stave I'm working on. 

Thanks, Greg
Title: Re: Rawhide backing
Post by: Pat B on February 20, 2018, 08:06:19 pm
Greg, I think I've seen Native rawhide backed bows but I don't know if they were osage. I don't back any bows unless they need it. Osage is very strong in tension so unless a ring was violated or other possible future problems they go naked.
Title: Re: Rawhide backing
Post by: Greg DeJanes on February 20, 2018, 08:35:21 pm
 I agree I would not either. Problem is the stave has very tight rings. Also has longitudinal cracks. It's been a job so far. I've decided to play it safe and have backed it. Now trying to decide how primitive to finish it. I began going for the Osage tribe bow on page 106 of Native American Bows, Arrows & Quivers.

I would think that rawhide was surly used at some time but, I find no info. to verify this.

Thanks again,
Greg

Title: Re: Rawhide backing
Post by: Pat B on February 20, 2018, 09:24:58 pm
I doubt it would have been a regular thing especially in areas with high humidity and regular rain. Being in the outdoors most of the time would detract from the bow's performance. This is strictly just a guess.
Title: Re: Rawhide backing
Post by: Greg DeJanes on February 21, 2018, 06:49:07 pm
Interesting !  I was reading some old post and found one by Mark St. Louis. He comments and shows a photo of an Algonquin bow backed with rawhide . It is HHB and was displayed in a museum. I guess us primitive bow makers should not feel so guilty using rawhide without sinew to back LOL.

Thanks,
Greg
Title: Re: Rawhide backing
Post by: PatM on February 22, 2018, 05:36:33 am
That bow was a reproduction bow I believe.

   Ishi rawhide backed bows which he made at the museum but it's hard to say if he showed Pope the method or vice-versa.