Cherokee Traditions: Bows & Arrows

Want to learn about Cherokee bows and arrows? Join Cherokee National Treasure Noel Grayson as he discusses the processes and history behind the craft of making these tools in this new episode of Cherokee Traditions.
#Cherokee #Arrows #NativeAmerican #Bowmaking #Bows #Traditions #Arrowheads #History #Indigenous #Culture

[@georgesakellaropoulos8162]

This man is a global treasure. Skill, humility, and the willingness to pass along his knowledge. If more people were like this, the world would be a better place.

[@Chance-ry1hq]

There are millions of people like this man. You need to shut off your tv and go out into the real world .

[@georgesakellaropoulos8162]

@@Chance-ry1hq I don't have a t.v.

[@Chance-ry1hq]

@@georgesakellaropoulos8162 Good for you.

[@petersack5074]

@@Chance-ry1hq tv....like dumping your garbage, as well as the neighbors, .....in the middle of the living room WHEN ITS TURNED ON......violence, nudity, perverts/and language, killing/ robbing......= everything on the streets in the '' good ole us of a '' Thankyou , hollywood, for destroying this civilization.

[@Chance-ry1hq]

@@petersack5074 Amen

[@DirtDawg]

I appreciate this man's work, culture and nature.

[@GLITCHED1]

The most powerful thing I've heard this man say is something along the lines of "As long as you can make a spark, and keep that fire going, it'll build up later" (He was talking about kids he thought who he thought had passion)

[@cheryellemley-mcroy6758]

This wonderful man puts a face on his ancestors. He takes us on a journey back in time. How amazing.

[@josephflippo1243]

The knowledge that he conveys in his stories, are gems

[@Patriot-Logic]

This man is a National Treasure! Wisdom flows from him. ✝️👍🇺🇸

[@davidmilton5887]

He's a phony.The Cherokees were/are "black". Study history.

[@davidmilton5887]

@@user-tm8jt2py3d You've been deluded.

[@davidmilton5887]

@@user-tm8jt2py3d No conspiracy.I have proof. I study history,actual history.

[@davidmilton5887]

@@user-tm8jt2py3d Modern day "Mexicans and Native Americans" descend from Filipinos that were brought over by the Conquistadors starting in 1540. The Manila Galleon ran into 1815. A good book on this is: Asian slaves of Colonial Mexico Written by. Tatiana Seijas

[@davidmilton5887]

@@user-tm8jt2py3d See how fast this info was deleted ? The lies are protected by millions. America is the land of lies.No land lives on lies to the degree that America does. Mental dysfunction is the norm of America.Living on lies is a true mental dysfunction.

[@Brainmalfuction]

i could sit and listen to this guy all day

[@fredpies3939]

i live in sw ohio.i have been a bowyer since 1993. i have visited Cherokee NC.almost every year trout fishing & camping. i have taken it upon my self to try to learn the language . i was a BOY SCOUT, cub scout leader, boy scout leader & scout master. as a scout i was in the owl patrol. the wise bird has become my spirit animal - a-koo-goo- as-sky -ya is my chosen name. i try to live up to this . i have just found your channel & am excited to learn anything you have to offer ,thank you for keeping it alive!

[@joecoffee968]

People tell me I talk too much but I'll bet if I was in a room with the guy I would say nothing. I would happily sit there and listen to him talk all day long and never get bored. Somebody else here hit the nail on the head, this guy is a national treasure.

[@butchcassidy3373]

My great great grandmother was Cherokee and both and my grandmother and father look native American. I've always loved the culture and am very happy I found this wonderful man so I can learn more about my ancestors culture. Thank you so very much.

[@chucklucas8747]

Our family is Scot Irish an native American Cherokee when we're kids we made bows from hickory an arrows from willow our arrow heads were bottle caps we crushed around the arrow an as kids,we tryed hunting with them I don't thing we every got anything but it was great fun I grew up bow hunting with compound bows but would love the real deal

[@j4cool802]

Bottle cap? Is it good

[@tonymaurice4157]

God bless the living legend Noel Grayson 🙏

[@littlepookie7976]

enjoyed sitting with you for a few minutes, brother. Thank You

[@patrickschneider1289]

You can be 90 years old and still be learning something new Thankyou so very much sir.

[@ShortLandPattern]

As a North Carolinian, the part at the end reminds me of revolutionary war era reenactments. They planted a seed of culture and inheritance in me that eventually blossomed into pride. Culture is something that many are missing out on in this world.

[@libertycowboy2495]

Im a quarter Cherokee and never had a source to find info about this part of my ancestors. Thank you!

[@graphguy]

This man is someone I could listen to all day

[@dr.froghopper6711]

Knowledge held is a treasure to be shared! I want to be learning until the day I die!

[@dougbar7668]

Thanks for the video. I live in Tennessee and one thing I love to do is hunt arrowheads. To find one and know the last person to hold it was a native American,probably a Cherokee is like a spiritual experience for me.

[@brittnar]

It’s always such a treat to learn new things and Noel was so generous with his knowledge, passion, and care. Thank you

[@john1cheree]

Grand mother was born on the reservation near Muskogee in 1896, She has shown me the family line in the Cherokee reservation records. I too made bows and arrows when I was a young boy. I went through a lot of firearms, And now I have come full circle back to the bow and arrow.

[@cavecavecavecave5295]

I could sit and listen to this gentleman for hours.

[@nunyabidness3429]

So happy he acknowledged Eastern Techniques. They're still being practiced by the EBCI and daughter bands in the South East today. It's amazing to see how the Oklahoma-Based Nation was able to adapt those skills to work with their new environment. Hope to see these traditions continued on when I am this man's age.

[@robvegart]

I'm from the city area in New York, and find history of old America fascinating, but this mans wisdom and knowledge of history as well as working knowledge are unparalleled. He is a true institution not just for Cherokees and natural native peoples, but the American diaspora all over as well. An absolute treasure and rarity. I've got to take a trip out to OK...

[@JamesJones-cx5pk]

I'm a Mississippi arrowhead hunter. I live near a field ( which is plowed for crops every year.) above a creek with a large mound right next to it. Finding a beautiful, sharp arrowhead is golden to me. Thanks for your channel.

[@YRD666]

DO HI TSU As an Indonesian Muslim, I feel proud that Native Americans accept Islamic teachings. Historically, Native American tribes had previously embraced Islamic teachings (the Cherokee). They became apostates (Christians) by the Spanish conquistadors. Native American tribes have known monotheism. And know God. If asked who is your Lord??... The answer is Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds and all the blessings He has bestowed. There is no god but Him (Allah). And Allah says in the Qur'an Surah Thaha: 14 'Verily I am Allah, there is no god but Me, so worship Me and pray to remember Me. Sa-lo - li

[@Fredadouglas]

I'm Eastern Shore Tsalagi,,, I use to make bows when I was a young girl,, I don't make them anymore but it was fun then,,, and they were every useful,,, mine worked!!!,, I even made a tomahawk from a collard green stalk,,, and a piece of skate,, tuned out very good!!

[@CavemanCrafts97]

Learning from Noel was an absolute honor I went from Georgia all the way to Oklahoma and listens to his entire lesson after the lesson I spoke in depth and he absolutely loved hearing about my crafting journey as I have enjoyed watching his ❤️an elder and a scholar

[@charlesleblanc6638]

That was a fine looking arrow, and the bow looked quite smooth to pull back. Nothing like making your own hunting gear.

[@toddhillberry4948]

Mr. Grayson, it was a pleasure listening to you talk about Native American bow making. Keeping the Cherokee history alive is important. I am not Native American, but have great respect for the N.A. culture. I remember as a kid making bows in West Virginia for fun and target practice. The first bow I used for hunting was a recurve with wooden arrows. Your video brought back memories.

[@donaldgoodnight7853]

He reminds me of my great grandfather. A great teacher. My kids and grandkids have no passion for these old ways. It is disappointing They don't care. They never had to hunt to live. Although I hunted and trapped to survive. Just in case you are put in a situation, as I was, this is great information. Any of us who have made bows and arrows know how complicated the process is. You only know how well you have done with a successful hunt. I was happy to see this video. But a bow, or even 1 arrow, far more complicated. Than shown. I have used Pheasant rather than Turkey feathers. I got my first deer at 16. I encourage anyone to try and make a bow and arrow. It is a craft you will enjoy. It is a journey and very connective to your past. Not for just native Americans. English longbows and Mongolian horn bows were exceptional. Not only in range, but power. It is truly amazing this tech developed among humans that never knew each other. Like blowguns. Try making one of those. Another crafty thing. How many tribes use those? Still used today. I miss my great grandfather riding in parades. But I won't forget what I was taught about how to make bows and arrows, spears, walking sticks, or arrow heads. An art we cannot stop teaching. It is easier to make arrows than bullets. Just as deadly. 100%

[@kinoshita8133]

"As long as they remember: I remember seeing it done.." that really got me, love these!

[@chesterchub7503]

We’ll done. Wish I knew you 30 years ago. Figured out a lot on my own. Thank you many times

[@calebstevens4658]

Mr. Grayson seems so humble lol that’s gotta be one of the most beautiful bows I’ve ever seen in my life

[@juans6639]

As a young kid in the early 1950s all of us (neighborhood kids) would make the arrow tips with nails flattened by the switching locomotive (since we lived next to the railroad tracks). The locomotive engineer knew what we were doing and would just blow the horn.....NO Video games, cellphone, tablets, computers etc. Those were the days. BTW, WONDERFUL VIDEO, GOD BLESS.

[@jakew1ll]

So great to see you at the Cherokee Meet in Texas! Thank you for sharing all your wisdom and knowledge. Always a pleasure to learn from you.

[@ericstites9470]

Love this! I grew up in north Georgia, and we visited the Cherokee Nation in North Carolina often. To go along with the records of white men not being able to draw the Cherokee bow, I remember reading that a Cherokee warrior once shot through a horse lengthwise. I so wish that the early United States had been kinder to those who were here long before. 🙁

[@timothyadams1844]

When someone is teaching you and they say some call it this some call it this and some used to call it this, trust that you are learning from the best teacher.

[@MDR-hn2yz]

As a student of history and an archery hunter, this is a fascinating topic.

[@therightisright8276]

This is a beautiful video. I had tears welling up from him saving the heritage. Im the 5th Great Grandson of the Supreme Cherokee Chief Atta Kulla Kulla and while I appear white I feel like a pure bred Native American in my heart and soul and doing things to honor the original ways of our ancestors is very important. I hunt with Kentucky long rifle and crossbow due to injury but truly appreciate this man's work and contributions. Thank you brother.

[@georgiadailyr3448]

My family has gene mutation half white rest look pure Cherokee

[@ghostcasper3185]

Lol!!! Appear White with a name like Michael Smith there's only one other name that might be more white and that's Tom Sawyer and that's still up for debate!!! Everyone says they're Cherokee everyone go ask a random stranger if they have any native American in them and it don't matter if they're white or black they're going to say Cherokee I'm not saying you're not I'm just saying everybody claims the same thing they're Cherokee!!!

[@missionman4539]

@@ghostcasper3185 I’m Cherokee

[@ghostcasper3185]

@@georgiadailyr3448 everyone is Cherokee 97% of the world is you didn't know that!?

[@airpaintpellet]

Sure bro lol. So many Americans say they have Cherokee blood but take a dna test and have none lol.

[@bertenerny7867]

Sir, WE need more persons like yourself, Period! As was stated in the previous comment, real "humility," is a true gift that can be modelled and taught if people would just take time to look, listen and learn. I stumbled on your video and took it all in. Thank you so much.

[@michaelkellogg8575]

I need to get a hold of this man…I’m reconnecting with my roots and it’s up to me to teach my children and keep it going. Love to all my relations!

[@melissalenhart8561]

Your teaching, as well as your examples is what gift you have. My teacher..I will learn with actions and thoughts...thank you.

[@scottkelly4131]

THANK YOU SIR , For your time , your knowledge. Its a rare enjoyment to be enlightened by your talks . I have Cherokee Blood in me from my Mother . She passed when I was very young and because of the great loss I have been cheated of my birth right . It is only now that I have had the opportunity to hear of this beautiful way of life. The simplicity of it is what I find truly beautiful. To live in harmony with the earth / to take only what is needed and to respect all with in the circle of life. I have had an emptiness in my soul for so long and I've been unhappy living in a world of disrespect for those who came before as well as those who will be here afterwards . Its a rare treat to glimpse into your way of life / I hope one day to find my way home / but untill then , I will live vicariously through thease videos . THANK YOU AND PEACE . SCOTT.

[@robertnichol3669]

you're def. a Treasure I gotta say...I have read a lot of books on Bowyer/arrow making....maybe its time I actually put the metal to the wood and create one...Thanks for the push Mr. Grayson

[@m.jenkins8503]

This is one of the best videos ever. Love learning the practicality of the Cherokee and how everyday life was.

[@LOFIGSD]

Fantastic video, as a Traditional Archer from the UK with interest in other Cultures, this is priceless, thank you Sir, I can understand why those not conditioned to shooting heavy self bows, could not draw those bows, I used to shoot quite heavy English longbows, which are similar, and took a lot of training to become comfortable, nowadays, I shoot Turkish and Mongolian style bows mainly, not my Culture and shooting from the right, which is interesting, my son enjoys Archery, I think it is something some of us are born to and in the DNA. Your comments about the pinch grip are interesting, and it is good to hear the truth, from the source. Peace and Goodwill.

[@neoxenia7014]

People like that makes the world a better place.

[@dnathomps]

I loved this. Mr Grayson I appreciate you sharing your heritage with us. Thank you for doing what you can to show the young ones and me the ways of your forefathers.

[@JamesClark-ze6ft]

Our First Nations People are truly the source of a divine understanding, upon which this Nation needs so very badly. Not just the ancient crafts and techniques, but also In the raising young people, showing Knowledge is power. Passing down Time Honored traditional ways, on how to treat Mother Earth, How to Revere Our DIVINE CREATOR. Although I have First Nations blood pulsing through my veins. I have not been put through the government oppression my people have felt, because I am Welsh-Irish-Choctaw and slipped through the cracks. The Cross Breeding of Bloodline, and now I am an outsider where I go Unless I am out in nature. I will not forget the ways of my Father, and my Uncle's. Deep love and gratitude towards you and yours for you unbelievable attitude.

[@G53X0Y0Z0]

Very interesting. Since I was a boy I wished I could have went back in time and seen firsthand how people lived. It may have been a hard life, but there were a lot of pluses too.

[@bushdog101traditionalhunte3]

thank you for sharing your traditional knowledge.your people are some of the greatest hunters on earth. meegwetch.

[@ciscokidkid6580]

Yes my brother. I had the seed and I picked up the bow and love it. I will pass it down to my son and keep it going.

[@LOTW1]

This video is one of those gems KZbin's algorithm throws at you out of nowhere.

[@joe9378]

pretty cool to learn about his passion and his traditions

[@J3Rfinisher]

I wish I had you as a father teaching me, my soul thanks you 😢

[@unclebee5674]

I like this gentleman! I am very impressed and honored to learn from him. Thank you.

[@beccabaker7636]

I keep telling my husband to teach our grandkids this is something he learned as a child it is a good lesson cause they will always be able to feed the people that depend on them. We was taught the fishing poles. This is good history,❤️. They thought I was silly when I told them I could make fishing line from sway grass till I started showing them then it was cool.

[@uzomad]

Please do this. Knowledge like this is dying out .

[@igitahimsa5871]

I hope you or someone who knows will make a video on that.. God Bless us all

[@beccabaker7636]

@@igitahimsa5871 soon that's the idea of getting him to retire from chasing that demonic $$$ and chase the sun that GOD made, like we're designed to in the first place. Everyone's too busy chasing $$$, when happiness is within reach it's just right outside your front door, it doesn't cost a thing to step outside and take a breath of fresh air.

[@timothygalvan1005]

He is a living history book. So awesome to hear about how he assembled the bows.

[@Bourgeault]

Outstanding presentation by remarkable and gifted man/historian!

[@trevorreilly963]

Watching this guy is amazing to me. I have a abanaki-penopscot heritage....a bit farther north then the Cherokee lol. I can watch this humble man talk for hours.

[@spapi3880]

Just an amazing person who almost glows with kindness.

[@jaymerino1912]

most interesting man i have seen in a long time. thanks for sharing your culture

[@garycraig4277]

I’m a descendant of the Cherokee and would love to see more of these videos My family doesn’t know much about the Cherokee except my grandfather was a doctor about 5 generations back I’m 61 and would like to here more about the Cherokee

[@blueridgebushcraft8294]

I live near what was the village of Keowee in upstate SC. Very good video and good information. My great grandmother was Cherokee.

[@rgac24]

I have always wanted to learn how to make a Cherokee bow and arrow. Ever since I was a boy. I went on field trip that was made possible by the Cherokee Nation. I saw one being made. It was incredible. Also shows how hard hunters really had to work and that it took a lot of discipline .

[@scottrussell6717]

ABSOLUTELY FASCINATING

[@Yelladog78]

That's got to be one of the best videos on KZbin I've ever watched

[@TylerZ91]

I could listen to your wisdom all day sir, thank you.

[@vickileawoodall3797]

Enjoyed the video. I have some Native American in my family, but it's very far back. Love hearing about how things were done in the past. Thank you for sharing the history and skills with us.

[@johnshields9110]

From my own primate bow making as a kid on a rural farm, I turned out a decent bow every couple of years. Making arrows was the biggest challenge. We had one particular weed on the farm that provided good shafts. My Dad erradicated them one year and I never saw the grow back.

[@gopherbar]

Thanks for taking the time to tell us your story. Hi from Nes Pearce

[@miketobin2324]

I never met a Noel Grayson video I didn't like! Bravo!!

[@timkbirchico8542]

Thanks man for a great vid, full of knowledge and heart . First Nations traditions and freedom must be kept alive.

[@readmedottext]

it really makes me appreciate how much effort goes into even the smallest detail of something so well made as those arrows and that bow. it's funny imagining everyone having a laugh at De Soto's men that couldn't bend that bow, but then I am pretty sure I couldn't either.

[@ronnieritter5425]

I'm told a little bit of Cherokee runs through my veins. However, Ritter is German, so.....either way, I have always been fascinated and inspired by the traditions of the old ways! Love to all, live in harmony ❤

[@jamesstewart4677]

Thank you, my grandmother was half Cherokee, but I am only able to learn a a little of the Choctaw language. It is good when I see our culture living on.

[@waterloofishing6277]

Mr.Grayson this video and the one on flint knapping were excellent… I recently started Flint napping I live here in Texas. I do land surveying for my job, well one of them. I’m constantly looking for Flint to bring home so I can practice. So far my stuffs pretty ugly and I really don’t know what I’m doing trying to learn everything off KZbin videos planning to go to some sort of napping gathering in the spring and see if I can learn a few things in person from some people. I honestly am so thankful for these two videos again have a blessed day sir

[@erinvanfleet6167]

I appreciate your teachings Noel 👍

[@teresafincher3413]

Wish I could learn from this man. He is so knowledgeable.

[@Guy-ky9mc]

I have much respect for this gentleman. I've gotten into archery and bow hunting (I've hunted all my life) recently and for some inexplicable reason it takes me back in time. As I'm standing there launching arrows at a target to tighten my group I often think of what life was like here just a few hundred years ago for the Indians. Men, women, and children living off the land and hunting.. to just live. At our core we are all the same and haven't changed. 'Nothing is new under the sun'. But today there is a disaster in the making with the world adopting their own enslavement and doom. People are backed into a real cozy corner today and it doesn't end well. The time is at hand.. time to wake up and unplug.

[@nathangurr1010]

Everything about this man inspires me and gives me hope.

[@andrewgilblom1741]

AWESOME video! VERY humble spirit in this man!!

[@stealth9tn]

I really admire your knowledge thank you for sharing.

[@edschelich1271]

Thank you. Please continue to help us understand where we have come from.

[@NORTH02]

Great, knowledgeable man

[@EnFyr]

Great video with an in depth explanation of how to make a good bow and arrows. So thank you :)

[@vernonvest9927]

Sure glad what you are doing ,keep up your native work.

[@carrollsanders9376]

Great video thank you, have tons of black locust around here as well as hickory, my family is English Irish originally from Cherokee North Carolina. My Great Great Grandfather left because he was half Cherokee half white, and wasn't accepted by either he settled in Kentucky in the late 1700s. I don't know that much about Cherokee Culture except for a few things my Father knew, this was a great video.

[@geraldrice8137]

So glad I found this channel I don't have any native blood in me but I do in heart.. My favorite thing is to look for arrowheads now

[@kevinseel3258]

What an amazing teacher! Thanks so much for making these videos and sharing your culture. Much respect.

[@alanhelton]

Now THIS is what I come to KZbin for!

[@UNbowed62]

Thanks so much, this is wonderful!🙏🏽🥰🦅🦅🦅

[@halporter9]

Wonderful and informative. In someways takes me back to my childhood in NW Arkansas (I am 74).

[@David-pp9fk]

I appreciate him sharing his knowledge.

[@theanxious]

I could listen to this man talk about anything all day. He is so genuine, its intoxicating. I'm in Western North Carolina and we have an amazing Cherokee history where I am. Ive always been deeply interested in Native American culture. I'm off to see what else your channel has to offer! And I'm subscribed for future vids as well! Thanks for making this available for all to see

[@stephennill5061]

It is amazing how he cares on his traditions

[@wilsonrawlin8547]

The quality of construction shows these bows and arrows were very accurate and very lethal.

[@jennyberto2075]

my great grandmother was full blooded Cherokee Indian and so I am the 4th Generation of Cherokee/White. I have 2 mentally disabled adult children and my younger brother, of course my brother and I being 4th and my children being 5th Generations we are wanting to learn more about our roots and so wanting to meet our extended family blood...I remember calling my great grandmother Grandma Burns, I do not know her maiden last name nor do I recall her first name. we are from Auburn Washington from Washington state not D.C.

[@robertlauzon3172]

Incredible talent and skill...to make,then hunt with such a powerful bow. These skills must be preserved.It's refreshing to see these videos.

[@petersack5074]

6:40 good boy !! An open-mind, WILLING TO CONTINUE LEARNING.......wish all persons' had this gift...