[Northkeep] Art of blowgun making to be taught at CHC

[Susan O'Neal]

I thought this might be of interest to some on the list.
Susan

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Cara Cowan Watts <cara at caracowan.com>
Date: Mon, 9 May 2011 17:10:37 -0500
Subject: [CherokeeNationDistrict7] Art of blowgun making to be taught at CHC
To: Cherokeenationdistrict7 at listserve.com

Art of blowgun making to be taught at CHC

By STAFF REPORTS



http://www.cherokeephoenix.org/Article/Index/4855



PARK HILL, Okla. - The Cherokee Heritage Center is enrolling students to
learn the history and art of making river cane blowguns. The art of dart
making will also be taught.



The class will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 21 at the CHC. The
cost is $40 per student. Class registration is required since attendance is
limited. Children must be at least 12 years of age and an adult must
accompany children them up to age 17.



Traditionally, Cherokee people used blowguns to hunt small game, according
to the CHC. Although blowguns are still used for hunting, today they are
primarily reserved for demonstration and competitions.



Blowguns are made from river cane and are usually 6 feet to 10 feet long. In
ancient times a hot coal was dropped inside the cane shaft to burn out the
joint membranes. Today, heated steel rods are used to open the shaft, and
heating the cane over a fire and rolling it against a hard surface
straightens crooked cane stalks.



Blowgun darts are usually made from bois d'arc wood and thistle, which is
attached to back of a dart to allow it to travel farther and straighter when
shot from the blowgun.



For more information, call the CHC at 918-456-4680 or 1-888-999-6007 or
email education at cherokeeheritage.org.