How to Make an Indian Bow
Have you ever wanted to create your own Indian bow? A bendable stick and a few simple tools will get you started. In less than twenty minutes you can test out your bow with arrows and teach others how to make their own bow.
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Instructions
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1
Find a green or bendable stick about six feet long and one inch thick.
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2
Cut down the stick with a pocket knife if it's too long.
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3
Take your pocket knife and carve a notch around the edge of the stick one inch from its end. The width of the notch should resemble the width of a piece of nylon string.
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4
Turn the stick around and carve the same notch and dimensions on the other end.
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5
Measure out a strand of nylon string about eight inches shorter than the length of your stick.
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6
Take one end of the nylon string and tie it around the notch you carved in your bow.
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7
Make a slipknot in the other end of the nylon strand and slip it around the bow.
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8
Gradually bend the bow as you work the slipknot down to the opposite notch and let it slip into place. The nylon string should keep your bow in a curved position.
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9
Tighten the slip knot so it fits securely in the notch.
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10
Place one hand in the middle of the bow and pull back the string. Make sure the bow bends easily without splintering and the string is taught.
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11
Untie the string and readjust it if there's too much slack or the bow starts splintering.
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12
Use scissors to cut off approximately 12 inches of leather or other material and wrap it around the middle of your bow and create a handle. You can also use duct tape.
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13
Test your bow with arrows and see where they land.
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Tips & Warnings
Green sticks from cedar, ash, or hemlock trees should bend easily. Collect a few sticks in case one breaks while building your bow.
Never test a bow and arrow in a public place where others could be injured. Don't take sticks from parks with no-impact policies or regulations on removing natural elements.
