California Bow and Arrows (Digital Download)

This page is for the downloadable version of the California Bow and Arrows (1.8 GB file size).  Click here for the DVD version.

Requiring over 3 1/2 years to film and produce, this is the most in-depth video ever made on constructing the exquisitely crafted sinew-backed bows and arrows used by the Hupa, Yurok, Karok, Maidu and surrounding tribes of Northern California. In this video author and primitive archer Billy Berger teams up Steve Allely, the world’s foremost authority on the archery gear of Northern California. They first give you a rare and privileged look at some very old original California paddle bows and arrows held in a private collection. Then they collect the very same materials the Natives used and show you, step-by-step, how to make these weapons based on the original artifacts. Every detail of construction is covered, from shaping the stave, sinewing the bow, making the unique nocks, and finally making the sinew string and painting the bow. Then they collect the same natural shoots the Natives used and they show how to make arrows identical to the original artifacts. This video is packed with information from start to finish. The completed weapon will be worthy of display in a museum, but will also prove just as deadly on big game.  Order to get your own digital version of the video (1.8 GB file size)