Being a big fan of history and archery, I like to recreate the archery tackle of the indigenous people who once lived where I reside. Spending half my time in the bay area. The Sierra Miwok bow acquired by trade was the bow used by the Costanoan in this area. The bow was a popular trade item and in use throughout central California. The bows were made from California nutmeg and Incense cedar.
The first few Miwok bows I replicated were made from the Incense cedar trunk. Historical writings say the limbs were preferred. Eventually I figured out how to find the ideal limb for a bow. No twist with a upward curve. The top half of the limb with a natural reflex becomes the bow.
The limb that made this bow was far from ideal. It had a double propeller twist, but this stave seemed special. After working it down I noticed the opposite twist aligned the string perfectly center at the handle. I apply ed a thick backing of sinew in 2 stages. More than a third of the total thickness. The result is a amazing snappy bow.
The bow is 38.5" and pulls 46# at 25". Even over drawn this far, within a hour or 2 of being unstrung it returns to a reflexed shape. Like the original the knocks are of molded sinew extending past the wood to form a hook (so the string doesn't slip off). The string is 3 ply elk sinew with otter fir wrapping to deaden the twang.
