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An Important Native American Weapon - The Bow and Arrow

By Craig Chambers

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 20Jan2011 Word count: 400 Viewed: 211 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

North American Indian tribes often engaged in warfare with one another. The most important weapon in their arsenal was undoubtedly the bow and arrow. However, the Native American bows and arrows were also used to provide food and defend against wild animals. Small Indian boys were given toy bows and arrows at an early age. This would enable them to develop their skill as they grew. By the time he was grown, the Native American man was an expert archer. Even while riding at a fast pace on horseback, his target was usually mastered.

Because only stone tools were available to Native American artisans, they were only able to make the bows themselves. Although composite bows are considered to be superior in performance to the self made bows, the Indian archer was still a match for anyone throughout the world. Native American bows and arrows were formed from one piece of wood. It would have been chosen with care to make sure it was approximately the correct diameter. The flint tools used to shape the bow ensured that only a minimum of detailing was possible.

Notches at the ends of the bow would hold the string in place. Although sometimes plant fiber might be used for the string, sinew was the material of choice. Sinew is extremely strong and tough and was readily available from the animals they hunted. The design of the bow could be very simple and utilitarian, or it could be decorated. The favorite decorative items were feathers and fur. Such was the strength of the bow and the skill of the hunter, that game of nearly any size could be brought down by one of these bows.

It is easy today to bring this classic cultural item into your home. Any wall can be brightened and personalized with the addition of a Native American bows and arrows. The bows and arrows will look particularly effective over a fireplace. Decorating in a southwest style involves bringing various diverse elements together for a total look. Adding a bow and arrows, or even several to form a collection, can bring the rest of the room into focus. It can be especially effective when combined with such items as horsehair pottery, a collection of rattles or dream catchers. Native American bows and arrows can contribute a masculine touch to a den or a boy's bedroom.

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