Indian Archery : Page 419

The Indian was far advanced in neolithic culture whenwe first knew him; he was on the verge of the age of metals.Many tribes knew agriculture but, except for the dog, theyhad not domesticated animals. His major weapons consistedof stone tipped spears, stone axes or tomahawks and bowsand arrows.

The red man had reached a state of great efficiency inmaking archery tackle. He incorporated many of the funda-mental principles which are used by our best bowyers; hehad, in some instances, made and used glue. He had reacheda high degree of efficiency in pressure flaking by which hewas able to produce some excellent arrow points. He hadmastered the principle and the art of fletching, using threefeathers to the arrow. His proficiency in working wood washampered by the lack of adequate tools but he managed tofashion bows that were serviceable, bows that incorporatedsome of the technique that our fathers had known in Europe.