Bows and Arrows - Choctaw Nation Cultural Services

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Choctaw Bows and Arrows

Bows and Arrows

Grayson Bow
Locke Bow
Gallihar Bow
Oklahombi Bow
Peabody Museum Arrows
Lopez Arrow
Red River Museum Arrows
Atoka Museum Arrow Point

The bow, "Iti Tanampo", has been deeply associated with Choctaw warriors and hunters for at least the last 1,300 years (see The Choctaw Bow).

The traditional Choctaw bow is a "D" shaped, or recurved longbow made from harwoood. Traditional arrows are made from river cane or hardwood saplings (see Making a Choctaw Bow).

The ancient bow-making tradition has never died among Oklahoma Choctaws, and today many work to ensure the survival of the artform by making their own bows and using them to participate in traditional archery contests against other Tribes (see Classes).