In the first of the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum’s new series on Sheep Eater Archaeology and Culture, Tom Lucas of Dubois and Lander demonstrated how the Mountain Indians of the Greater Yellowstone made their highly prized hunting bows out of the horns of bighorn rams. This ancient technique, used by both the Mountain Shoshone and the Mountain Crow, has been revived by Lucas who grew up on the Crow Reservation in Lodge Grass, Montana. Tom made the JHHSM a replica display of this remarkable craft, which included soaking the horns in regional hot springs to soften them enough to reverse the curve of the horn.
“We are excited to have this opportunity for the museum to have a unique exhibit that will show visitors the step-by-step process of making a horn bow. Starting with the head and skull, and moving through reversing the curl, straightening and drying the horns, and then joining the two straightened horns together with sinew backing and hide glue, the final product is a work of art,” explains Dr. Sharon Kahin, Executive Director of the JHHSM. “An exceptional weapon, these were the most powerful weapons in North America before the advent of guns. Tillered and perfectly balanced, they were strong enough to pierce buffalo hide. Found as far away as the Upper Missouri Valley, they were a major trade item of the Sheep Eaters or Mountain Shoshone, commanding the high price of ten horses apiece!”
Lucas will demonstrated the entire process at the History Museum, 225 North Cache, on Wednesday, Feb. 20th at 7:00 PM.
Our special thanks to Lander Game and Fish for supplying the horns!