In the summer of 1995 I took a two week vacation traveling up through the Dakota's into Wyoming and Montana. I lived by myself at the time and the trip was sort of a spiritual journey for me. I had several rewarding experiences in an attempt to get in touch with my self and my inner being. One instance in particular occured at Devils Tower in Wyoming and involved a group of native american dancers. But that story will have to wait for a later post on my blog.
One of the results of that trip was the beginning of a keen interest in primitive archery and the process of making my own bows and arrows. I had been an archer and bowhunter most of my life. Bowhunting was my way of getting closer to the natural world and enjoying all that it had to offer. Especailly in this day and age when everything is becoming high tech and in many ways artificail. Sitting in a tree watching nature was my way of meditating.
I bought every book I could get a hold of on the subject. And found others who had the same passion for working with wood to produce an effecient bow. A group of us became familiar with one another on a traditional archery sight. We had a desire to meet in person and to share our knowlegde as bowyer's. We created a meeting in July which was held at a bow club in Marshal Mo. We called it MO-Jam short for Missouri bow jamboree. It is still held today at the same place around the middle of July. People come form all over the U.S. and other countries some as far as Australia and Germany. Many bring items to sell and trade. The most popular item is wooden staves of all kinds with Osage Orange being the most popular wood. We renew old friendships, share knowlegde and basically have a good time.
The pictures above were taken at a Folk Life Festival that I have attended several times. I have a friend who builds old flintlock rifles. We set up a primitive camp together and share what we know with the people who attend. X
What wonderful stories you have. I am so anxious to hear about your journey.
ReplyDeleteMary
it is truly an art, bow makers as well as arrows, vincent's brother does his own and I am amazed at the craftsmanship..... I am curious in regards to the one who builds flintlocks, does he just do kits for black powders or actually design and build them himself.... I think I have a past life of such things as I love such things, my first husband trapped and there was nothing I enjoyed more than working the hides.... strange I know
ReplyDeleteAlbert, my friend builds the rifles from scratch and does a lot of inlaid work on most of his projects. He does gunsmithing as a hobby and is a toolmaker by trade. X.
ReplyDeleteThere is something waiting for you at Moontides.
ReplyDeleteMary
I just bought an archery set this past fall, first time I ever held one. I don't know why, but it has really piqued my interest. My BF, who practiced archery as a kid, of course, was able to hit the target straight off. I get it in the "vicinity" LOL. The odd thing is, upon holding the bow and arrow, I apparently use the Mongolian position, shooting left handed, when I am a right handed person. Guess I can't erase 10,000 years of history and instinct, grins.
ReplyDelete