The Sioux hunting bow was used to kill plains bison.
A Sioux hunting bow, known as a Takintazipa, does not possess the same performance qualities as a modern bow but is still capable of taking large game in North America. The bow was used by Native Americans to kill plains buffalo. Because of a lack of flexible wood, the Sioux compensated by adding a layer of sinew along the back of the bow.
Instructions
Preparing the Bow Stave
1. Select several lengths of wood during late winter, when the wood is green and the sap is down. Cut staves from the selected lengths of wood, about 6 feet in length and trim off the outer bark. Rub each stave thoroughly with animal fat, then wrap in a hide bundle and hang over an open fire for several days.
2. Determine the length of the bow by measuring the distance from your right shoulder across your chest and outstretched left arm to the tips of the fingers on your left hand (Reverse this process if you are left handed). You may also hold the bow stave diagonally across your body with one end held in the right hand at the hip and the other just touching the finger tips of the left hand when held straight out to the side, shoulder high.
3. Shape the bow to your preference by using a knife and a piece of sandstone, tapering the limb ends to the thickness of your little finger. Form curves in the bow by gently heating one limb over a fire and then bending over your knee or by placing the end of the stave on the ground and slowly bending it.
4. Shape the grip area to fit your hand, paying attention to grip thickness so that it fits comfortably. Notch one end of the finished bow to receive the bowstring (leave the other end without a notch).
Preparing Glue, Sinew and Finishing the Bow
5. Prepare animal glue by boiling in a large pot of water: animal hide, horns, hoofs or a combination of these items. Boil until a thick consistency is formed and use a stick to apply the glue to the bow.
6. Prepare the sinew for the bow by soaking in water, pounding with a plastic hammer and then stripping several thin and shredded pieces. Apply these pieces along the back of the bow, in overlapping layers interspersed with powdered white clay stuck on with glue, followed by additional bands of sinew applied wet that will shrink as they dry.
7. Split off two thin filaments of sinew from the large piece, wet them and begin to roll them together on your leg. Add a third length of sinew to lengthen the whole, as the first two begin to meld together. Add additional pieces of sinew and continue to lengthen the whole to about three times the length of the bow, as each subsequent part begins to meld together.
8. Fold the completed length of sinew into thirds and roll together to form a three-ply bowstring. Stretch and allow to dry completely.
9. Wind the completely dried bowstring tightly and fasten to the notch-less end of the bow and fasten the other end to the notch using a half-hitch knot. The half-hitch should be loose and open so as to allow the bowstring to be slipped loose and down when the bow is not being used.
