Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 7-28. Shaping the bow stave.
Arrows
Any straight wood will do for arrows, but birch and willow sucker branches sprouting from the
base of tree trunks work particularly well. Make arrows about ¼ inch in diameter and the
length of your arm. Notch one end for the bowstring to catch on (the “nock”). Some type of
fletching should be attached about 2 to 3 inches in front of the nock to stabilize the arrow and
ensure a reasonably straight and long-distance flight. Split feathers work best for fletching, but
paper, cloth, or even split leaves will do. Attach three or four feathers to the shaft. The simplest
arrowhead is a sharpened and flame-hardened wooden point. For larger game and more durab-
ility, fashion arrowheads from sheet metal, stone, or bone. Attach the arrowheads and fletching
to the arrow shaft using fine cordage. Wet sinew works best, because it shrinks and sticks to it-
self as it dries. Seal the binding with boiled pine pitch to prevent unraveling.
