Instructor Ernest Wahtomy holds wood used for a bow.
By ROSELYNN YAZZIE
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — Participants in Saturday’s, October 13 Bow and Arrow Making Class started their projects.
During the class, taught under the instruction of Ernest Wahtomy, they learned how to straighten their sticks that would be used for arrows. They did this by using their hands to create body heat to bend the wood to their liking. They selected their flint that would be used for the arrow tips. They made thread with sinew from deer back straps by carefully peeling strips into thin pieces. Some took the time to carve out their bow staff. They also cut a buffalo hide that would be used to make a quiver that would be used to hold their arrows.
The making of the bow and arrows is a lengthy process, but Wahtomy said now they have modern tools to make things go faster.
Wahtomy has had years of practice making his own bows and arrows. He was mostly self-taught and also had help by listening to others. The time it takes him to complete a set depends on whether he uses dry or green wood. If he works at it constantly it could take two weeks.
Youth participants at the bow and arrow class.
The youth in attendance were fascinated to learn. They excitedly looked through the flint that would be used for their arrows and talked about how sharp they were.
Family used the time to visit and help each other. Clyde and Louise Dixey worked on their grandson’s, Gator Boyd’s arrows.
The Shoshone-Bannock Language & Cultural Preservation Department hosts the class. A few more classes will take place in the future for the participants to continue working on their projects.
The Cultural Resource Director of the program, Louise Dixey, said many materials were provided, however, participants had to bring their own five to six-foot wood that would be used for the bow.
On Saturday, October 20 a Basket Weaving Class will take place at the Language & Culture Preservation Building from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Materials will be provided and pre-signups are required. Signup are in the LCPD lobby. The class is for tribal members only.
Dixey said, “We want to revive that art because it was very prevalent here in the early days. There are a number of different things that stem from that, tulle mat making classes and grass making baskets.”
Dixey said the plan to host other classes that will teach beadworking, language and traditional foods.