American Indian archery

More about the book

The bow and arrow were widely used across America from the far North to South America by the time Europeans arrived, with varying quality of equipment. The finest bows, particularly from the Northwest, showcased exceptional beauty and craftsmanship, rivaling ancient classic designs. Attitudes of whites toward Indian archers have varied, from admiration for their legendary skills to mockery of their shorter bows and smaller arrows. The Laubins challenge many popular misconceptions about Indian archery, aiming to provide an accurate portrayal of this ancient art form. The book includes an introduction and history of Indian archery, followed by chapters on bow comparisons, bow making, sinewed and horn bows, strings, arrows, quivers, shooting techniques, medicine bows, Indian crossbows, and blowguns. Readers interested in the intricacies of archery tackle used by American Indians, the ingenuity behind its creation and upkeep, and the significance of archery in daily life will discover a wealth of new and valuable insights within these pages.