The Native American Way of Fletching Arrows

The art of making arrows is as complex
and difficult as making bows; and yet, it is a simple and easy technology
requiring very few tools. Arrows have been made by indigenous peoples all over
the world for the last 12,000 years. Dr. Manuel Lizarralde, professor of
Ethnobotany at Connecticut College, a bowyer and arrow maker for the last 25
years, demonstrates how to fletch an arrow. He uses real turkey feathers and hand-split deer sinew (tendons) with
hide glue and warm water to bind the feathers and sinew to the arrowwood (Viburnum)
shaft. Three feathers, not two, are attached to the arrow shaft which is more
complex and efficient. Local natural resources are used in the process. Free
with Museum admission, free to Museum members. Snow date: Feb. 8.