How to Make an African Bow
- 1). Cut a tree sapling or branch about 1 to 3 feet long. Willow, sycamore and yew are good woods to use for this.
- 2). Strip the branch of twigs, leaves and bark. Tie the branch to a stationary upright pole, larger than the branch, to keep it off the ground and leave it in the sun to partially dry for a few hours.
- 3). Shave the ends of the branch with a knife, to give them a taper.
- 4). Carve a small notch in each end of the branch. Make a loop in a piece of string. Pull the body of the string through the loop. Feed the loose end of the string through both loops. Hook the knot onto the notched end of the branch. Pull the knot tight.
- 5). Pull the string tight and bend the bow to put the string under tension. Make a loop in a piece of string just past the notch end of the bent bow. Pull the body of the string through the loop. Feed the loose end of the string through both loops. Hook the knot onto the notched end of the branch. Pull the knot tight and let go of the branch, which will be held in the bow position by the string.
