Hello brother ,I'm Cherokee creek ,I make bows and I've shared my knowledge of the art with several other,natives and non natives ,we must keep this alive ,
Im from Western Australia and I have it on my heart to start learning to make bows. There is no one here to teach me. I would be honoured to meet someone like you! A beautiful Craft to learn. 🏹
As a Cherokee this makes me so happy. I’m going to find this man so I can meet him and shake his hand. He’s such a positive influence for the Cherokee people and I wish more Cherokee people were like him. Love this guy
That's why I like the Cherokee people because you will probably do what you said you would do and that's meet this fellow Cherokee brother. Im not a Cherokee but if I was I would be proud.
My uncle is a Ute elder. He made a traditional snake bow for me. The staves are not straight but slightly curved like the body of a snake. As long as the 2 tips and grip line up it will shoot straight. It is made of yew wood and backed with elk sinew glued on with hide glue which is then covered with rattlesnake skin. No iron touched this bow. It was sanded down with sandstone to the same growth ring which prevents splintering. The grip is brain tanned deer hide which has also been smoked. The string is made of twisted elk sinew. This is a masterpiece of traditional bow making. Give me a holler, I'll send you some pictures.
I am half cherokee and my mom is full blooded. I have been slowly learning about making things like this. Atlatls and darts and i want to build a bow. Maybe this was the motivation i needed. A fellow native american making it happen and making our ancestors proud. Awesome vid. 🙂
Lose what? That bow is a European design, not Cherokee. Native Americans didn't use draw knives. They had stone tools until Europeans arrived. It's still awesome that he makes them though.
Unfortunately it's not just the Cherokee heritage that is being lost. It's also many other cultures that make up America. Too many young ones in all cultures don't want to learn anything about their heritage. It's a shame.
Part of what makes a people's ways worthwhile is the knack of getting young ones interested. We were all young once, when it's our turn if we fail then that's it. Your kid's taken by the current, hope the river bends in a nice direction because your chance to teach them to steer is passed.
You are correct I myself am not native American but I hang out with a lot of them and I see traditions dying heck the reason that elders like me is cause I know more about traditions than natives
Richard, you are a deep thinker and a righteous man. To carry on one's traditional ways is both an honor and a gift. I think you have learned much about yourself by pursuing your heritage. You said you were not "patient" enough to be a bowyer, but you learned you are. You have learned many other things about yourself as well. Good luck to you. I love your ZZ shirt.
I love it. It reminds me of those trips I took with my grandparents to Cherokee North Carolina and Maggie Valley. The handmade arrows sticking out what are the most nostalgic thing I seen in this video and I have made a few bows myself
I love your work. I am a Comanche bowyer, on a crude level. I feel your convictions on the study of language. My Elders are dying, I feel like I must fight to help preserve and expand the Comanche language. Just like my Huutsi taught me.
Me: I wonder what’s on my UA-cam recommend today. UA-cam: How about some Cherokee bowmaking? Me again: Okay. Me after video: Thank you Mr. Richard Fields and all the Cherokee still keep the tradition strong!
Siyo Richard keep up the good work. I live in cherokee nc on the reservation and I make the traditional river cane arrows also knives and tomahawks. You do great work thanks for sharing.
@@trivellekoolaidrian6921 What's more important is they are keeping their culture alive with being craftsman and the women are so talented too. I'm amazed how much they know about how to survive off the land. Some Natives would disagree with your calling them Indians which is what white people called them. They didn't take the time or courtesy to understand they come from tribes with different dialects and traditions. Most identify by their ancestors ...for example: in South Dakota there were bands of Natives like Sicangu (burnt thigh) in Lakota. I love the culture and visited them and will again someday.
Trivelle Koolaidrian you’re wrong. Aboriginal or Native is preferred. Indian has some historically infused racial undertones but go ahead and call one an Indian. I’m sure a lot don’t mind and may not tell you but you will get a surprised look. Just saying.
I'm not Cherokee, I'm Mexican/American, but I'm a hunter and love tradition. Your bows are works of art. I would consider it an honor to learn to make a traditional bow, under you.
And?? Being influenced by tradition an Heritage AND keeping it alive is all that really matters. Don't forget man as a Mexican your ancestors was Native American. If you want to embrace it then do so! That is your decision.
@blllllllllllllllllllrlrlrl7059 There was alot of mixture in bloodlines throughout the many years of existence so its possible but not definite. The Native American was just that, hence the word NATIVES. The Mexican heritage traces back to the ancient Aztec and Mayans, down to Spanish descendants of mostly European and African. So like I said it's different mixtures. But all of the heritage traces back to the "rock dwellers" the culture and ect. Even all the food mostly. There ancient culture are the ones who learned how to smash corn to make tortillas. To make mud brick homes same as the Mexican descendants did in Mexico hundreds of years ago. But those ancient cultures of Natives was neighbors to the ancient Aztecs and Mayans. They had many similarities but every Tribe differs a little. But hunting and Tradition was important in all of them and that's what matters most. I believe this to be important for all of us to hold on to! Whether Asian, European or ect. Culture and Traditions are a beautiful thing that's being lost every passing year. These new generations don't care about it. It's sad.
I love a man that has his heart in his work. Good for you sir, to make them from your heart, not from somebody else's idea of what it should be. It's just amazing to watch how you go about the craft. It's also wonderful to see a proud American keep the old craft of bow making alive and well.
Great video. Reflects a man dedicated to a people, a tradesman who not only can create but thru his shared knowledge is creating more people of skill and knowledge. Thank you Mr. Fields and honor to meet you.
I’m half Sioux and I totally agree with what you’re saying. My grandfather was full blooded and helped raised me growing up becuase my parents worked 9-5( nothing wrong with that) I just spent most of the time with my grandfather when they weren’t around. We would always make bows, arrows, and slings, from oak and yucca plant since we lived in the mountains. He showed me how to do it the old fashioned way- axe and widling knife. It truly is a lost art and once it’s gone it’s gone, seeing u make wood into working pieces of art reminds me of my grandfather and how much value and fun it was. Thank you 🙏🏻
Kiaora, greetings from New Zealand. It's wonderful to hear the history of our indigenous peoples in relation to our artists as is today. I myself am involved in traditional clothing, such as weaving. Thanks for sharing.
I like this bloke too. I hope that he can instill the pride of being Cherokee in the young people of today. I think that it's important that you don't lose the knowledge n language of your forefathers.
Seven years ago and I'm just now seeing this vid 😮! O'siyo Richard, I hope you are well my relative. I appreciate the patience, skill, and love you put into crafting your bows, traditional, very well 👍🏽. I lived on the Qualla Boundary (EBCI) for about 13 years, along with my wife Sher-li, who was born and raised there as an enrolled member, of the Reid family, Deer Clan. It's too bad our paths didn't cross (maybe they did and we didn't know it lol), your spirit is good, you seem to be the kind of man that everyone would appreciate meeting. I am Métis, but, much respect to you as a brother and Wado for this video.
Respect. So many arts of the “old days” are disappearing and in many cases, modern materials and methods just cannot recreate the beauty and form of something handmade from raw, nature given materials. I admire those that live in modern times but revere and preserve the “old ways”.
Richard you never stop doing that making bows ! It is part of your and mine heritage ! My grandfather made them to . If it wasn't a canoe or snow shoes or baskets he'd make bows so ya I love what you do it's inspiring ! Keep up the great work !
hello from the Saginaw Chippwea Indian tribe of Michigan! u should be proud of the heritage u keep alive! our tribal culture's only stay alive if we pass them on to the younger generations!
my brother i am glad to see you making videos from our old ways. i did not have exposure to our old ways due to my father being inthe military . he was never around to teach me . i respect the old ways and am proud to be cherokee . i hope to see more of your videos ,maybe some of the other old ways . peace my brother
Wonderful. Wonderful to see the passion he has for his people. I hope he and the Cherokee go from strength to strength, and pray that they can keep the connection with their glorious past. I am from the UK, about as far from being Native as anyone can be i suppose, but i feel a connection to the Native peoples of N America in my soul. I am truly envious of anyone who can name themselves part of a tribe. I dream of the day when a true Native American becomes President!
The 5:35 that I just involved myself watching this posting was hugely beneficial. Currently I have a draw- knife of decent quality that has been barely used & what I do know is a lot of effort is needed to remove stock. Hugely enjoyed this no B.S. presentation.
Proud Monacan, over the past few days I made a ishi stick to begin pressure flaking to better understand and appreciate the old ways , haven't really gotten into bow making yet but I make a traditional Cherokee honeysuckle basket quite well. Keep up the awesome work my neechie
Just the simple joy of making something with your own hands. That’s universal. Once you are comfortable and confident with what you do, you naturally transition into teaching. Skills are to be passed down. Tomorrow’s generations will need strong, soft spoken, male influences. This is sadly lacking today. Thank you for sharing my friend.
Talented craftsmen used to make things with their hands, now everything is made by machines. I love that there are still people like this man who make things with their hands.
This is art in its truest form. Let machines make devices for daily living and let us make art for ourselves and others in all our free time. This is what humans should be doing more of.
@@janbernad4729 All of the hand made things that I have made. Beds, dressers, entertainment centers, book cases, kitchen cabinets, and especially guitars are in my home.
First of all, I love this guy's character. I also love how this guy has picked out one part of his ancestors culture and perfected it. I have done the same thing for my people. I make atlatls and traditional spears of all kinds and it makes me proud to be aleut. Another thing that I'd like to point out is that everything he says is true, native people don't linger in the past we only learn from the past. We can't change the past, so we loom foward to the future and try to make it better. I personally don't want the government to help we can do ot ourselves.
Thank you for this Richard! I'm not sure how much Cherokee I have in me but to me I don't think that matters! What matters to me is learning the old traditions and keeping those old traditions and values alive! Everything you said hit home! I may look white on the outside but my heart and spirit is Cherokee & is deeply saddened by the way things have become. I truly hope that the good in this land & on this planet is not forgotten & hopefully it's not too late to put the cause & effect in reverse! Stay blessed!
@willl 88 nothing to do with guilt, I have nothing to be guilty about thanks, I'm of Polish decent as well as Cherokee and also Norwegian and Black Dutch. Take your judgement and hate somewhere else! ✌️🖕
ALL our 1st nations peoples across North America are like the canaries in the mines. If they die ... we all die. So beautiful to see this honourable human illuminating a small part of the path home. Thank you sir.
Cool video. Thanks for sharing this with us. I'm in PA but I lived in Tulsa for 3 years. I have to admit the people down there are the greatest. It took some getting use to, buying a soda (pop), and asking for a bag (sack), so many tornado watches and warnings. But I loved the people and the accent. I wasn't use to the hats, boots and buckles. And I've never met so many Native Americans. Or Mexicans. Some of the nicest people I have ever had the privilege to be friends with. That was about 40 + years ago. Sometimes I Google the satellite map and take a cruise through the old neighborhood. Giant trees growing from the lawn that use to be just grass. The QT convenient store where the dog Lamar got his beer. (TV commercial) and where I met Odetta J. . She was so beautiful ! I've never forgotten her all these years. And how hospitable the people down there were.
Why should a Californian learn about the Cherokee? I mean there is nothing wrong with them learning about them but the Cherokee weren’t the only tribe and the Cherokee’s are from the southeast US. Roughly northern Georgia.
Love this. I’m not a Cherokee but I have a profound respect for the principle people. Respect this art. Thanks for sharing. I don’t always remember just the trail. Wado
It is so wonderful to see other Cherokee people teach others. Our culture is disappearing. The world seems to not want us to be able to hold on to our heritage, thank you so much. Osiyo
Love to the all Native people in The Americas, I wish I knew how you call yourselves as people in your language but nonetheless we love from Algeria 🇩🇿
I would love to be your apprentice. I wish I could live in that area and even though I am 13 I an some what of an old sole and I do everything I can to preserve the old ways.
let me you something Mr Fields, there is a revival in traditional bow making happening all over the world. People are realizing that making stick bows as well as making knives and other similar things Is cool and special. You wouldn't believe how many guys in their 20's I meet that love this stuff. I live in Canada and Ive been making bows for at least years. So as far as this skill disappearing, I wouldn't worry too much about it. By the way great job on those bows.
Your bow making skills are fantastic , I made my first one out of Osage orange, I learned from my mistakes, I cut it the wrong time of year, by the time I had it shaped the ends were splitting, but I agree with u on the serenity of bow carving, just u and nature. Great video, keep your traditions strong and pass them on. Stay Blessed.
Ive tried making a bow from a very young sapling, was really excited. I broke that thing when i put the string on it. Have a cedar log curing right now. Hope i can make something out of it. On a side note, i love how you refused to take the victim mentality and instead strive to show how strong you are in spite of any and everything. True strength comes from within, from believing you can achieve something no matter the obstacle.
@@chechnya that's white American thinking and I'm white ... Progress mean beneficial as a whole. No one in this country is working together anymore . your refering to technological advancement. But thats more or less just pure laziness. I dont judge you or what you know. I think we need to be careful how we view and label things these days. If I had the money and knew I could learn from aboriginals I would. When was the last time you baked a cake from scratch ? The results when Excuted correctly are very rewarding. You did it all. No box no label no instructions.. I think that's all he's trying to get at. Know it (your tradition) so well it will carry on throughout the ages. That's what it was all about. Dont let my comment draw anything away from what you said. I promise I'm not trying to pick on you I just see many different views. Thank you for letting me share. If not I hope you have a marvelous life !
A great video of a man who truly knows his craft and has skills and knowledge that if lost will be extremely hard if not impossible to get back, I always respect somebody who has these traditional skills no matter what culture they come from as many of these skills are slowly disappearing especially those that are Labour intensive, If you have a particular traditional skill or set of skills then please do pass them on before they are lost forever, Blessings to all.
shannonandsheila1 Ok make 9ne and let us all review it I'm sure you know all about fletching and making Arrow heads too, Bearing in mind that your statement of "Stoneage man figured it out" it took them at least a couple if generations of trial and error to perfect it so they did all the ground work for you didn't they, So I shall wait with much anticipation to see your Bow and how it measures up to the one in the Video I'm sure your one will be fantastic! So come on what are you waiting for? After all how hard can it be?.
Do you have personal experience with the fruits keeping spiders away? And if so, where they being kept out of a house, off of your person, or out of a garden? Sorry, just want to learn. Thanks😉
Ahhhh, okay. So just the whole fruits, and not crushed up, or cooked in hot water etc.. thank you!!! Ironically, I lived for a couple years in a highly infested old farmhouse...and I happened to keep a bunch of Osage Oranges on my little table on the porch. If I had know this, I would have spread them all around different rooms...😂
Wish I wasn't soooo old. Would truly enjoy learning from you but age is not in my favor. Much respect and honor to you and what you do for your people. Too many things have been forgotten about the indigenous peoples of a land named America.
I like your video and I am married to my wife she is Cherokee mixed from Tennessee and me well I am mixed with Ojibwe or Chippewa from Bay Mills Reservation in the upper peninsula of Michigan and I agree with what you say we need to preserve our way of life and heritage and pass it along to the next generation and keep it alive. I also made many bows and arrows and I still enjoy it I use many methods make my own pine pitch and brush the limbs and use natural heat to help prepare the bow for many years of use nothing fancy but fully functional and endures all weather conditions it has to handle freezing and hot Summers and foggy damp mornings and dry days I like using vegetable oil 🌽 to brush on the limbs and slowly heat it into the limbs helps keep nice tiller and little string follow
All Natives in this country deserve way way more than they have received. It's pathetic the way this country has treated the many groups of Native people. This country should be ashamed.
Hello brother ,I'm Cherokee creek ,I make bows and I've shared my knowledge of the art with several other,natives and non natives ,we must keep this alive ,
Make a video. It will preserve the skills and methods. More detail is better.
You ever think about taking an apprentice? Lol
Im from Western Australia and I have it on my heart to start learning to make bows.
There is no one here to teach me. I would be honoured to meet someone like you! A beautiful Craft to learn. 🏹
Hi, I’m Cherokee Creek and an archer learning to make bows. Seeking mentor for various crafts, Wado/Mvto
As a Cherokee this makes me so happy. I’m going to find this man so I can meet him and shake his hand. He’s such a positive influence for the Cherokee people and I wish more Cherokee people were like him. Love this guy
That's why I like the Cherokee people because you will probably do what you said you would do and that's meet this fellow Cherokee brother. Im not a Cherokee but if I was I would be proud.
I grew up in Australia and always wanted to be Cherokee...I've only ever known Cherokee to be strong and looked up to them... admired them...
Looks like Ive been mispronouncing Cherokee for 60 years. The O is silent, right.
Little late but Osiyo from the Eastern band!
And he owes it all to his cousin who, put him on that path....
My uncle is a Ute elder. He made a traditional snake bow for me. The staves are not straight but slightly curved like the body of a snake. As long as the 2 tips and grip line up it will shoot straight. It is made of yew wood and backed with elk sinew glued on with hide glue which is then covered with rattlesnake skin. No iron touched this bow. It was sanded down with sandstone to the same growth ring which prevents splintering. The grip is brain tanned deer hide which has also been smoked. The string is made of twisted elk sinew. This is a masterpiece of traditional bow making. Give me a holler, I'll send you some pictures.
Lier
@@TheRealCartman1 fuck u bitch
I would like that kind of bow more than any compound mechanical contraption created.
I would like to see
send me some pics plz
One can learn a lot from teachers like this man. He is the type of teacher we should search out and sit and learn from.
I am half cherokee and my mom is full blooded. I have been slowly learning about making things like this. Atlatls and darts and i want to build a bow. Maybe this was the motivation i needed. A fellow native american making it happen and making our ancestors proud. Awesome vid. 🙂
Atlatls are the coolest weapons.
Love that TShirt Richard. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
We can't afford to lose this...we are losing elders left and right and not enough young ones that want to learn the old ways
Lose what? That bow is a European design, not Cherokee. Native Americans didn't use draw knives. They had stone tools until Europeans arrived. It's still awesome that he makes them though.
Unfortunately it's not just the Cherokee heritage that is being lost. It's also many other cultures that make up America. Too many young ones in all cultures don't want to learn anything about their heritage. It's a shame.
Joseph Woodall i want to learn
Part of what makes a people's ways worthwhile is the knack of getting young ones interested. We were all young once, when it's our turn if we fail then that's it. Your kid's taken by the current, hope the river bends in a nice direction because your chance to teach them to steer is passed.
You are correct I myself am not native American but I hang out with a lot of them and I see traditions dying heck the reason that elders like me is cause I know more about traditions than natives
It’s awesome when someone can keep traditional work alive. Much respect
This man is awesome. Not only because he makes bows, but also because he listens to ZZtop.
Stephen Walters And He’s like Diego Maradona LOL
And he isn't offended over the Cleveland "Indians" hat he has on. Hahaha!
Stephen Walters
zz top's was racist he hated engines and blacks.
He killed zzTops with a bow, sorry fan!
Fghj GHJjjy stop spreading hate. They aren’t racist
This is worth watching, no violence no drama just a simple life.
As Pround member of the wolf clan of Cherokee this truly makes me happy knowing this art won't die . Thank you brother
Richard, you are a deep thinker and a righteous man. To carry on one's traditional ways is both an honor and a gift. I think you have learned much about yourself by pursuing your heritage. You said you were not "patient" enough to be a bowyer, but you learned you are. You have learned many other things about yourself as well. Good luck to you. I love your ZZ shirt.
I love it. It reminds me of those trips I took with my grandparents to Cherokee North Carolina and Maggie Valley. The handmade arrows sticking out what are the most nostalgic thing I seen in this video and I have made a few bows myself
I love your work. I am a Comanche bowyer, on a crude level. I feel your convictions on the study of language. My Elders are dying, I feel like I must fight to help preserve and expand the Comanche language. Just like my Huutsi taught me.
The world needs more of people like this man.
Great video and perspective. Thanks for keeping the old ways alive
Me: I wonder what’s on my UA-cam recommend today.
UA-cam: How about some Cherokee bowmaking?
Me again: Okay.
Me after video: Thank you Mr. Richard Fields and all the Cherokee still keep the tradition strong!
This man is a living treasure.
He is wearing a Cleveland Indians hat. Leaning in to the stereotype. I like it.
There is just something special about when people make stuff and not rely on machines for mass production. I like that.
Siyo Richard keep up the good work. I live in cherokee nc on the reservation and I make the traditional river cane arrows also knives and tomahawks. You do great work thanks for sharing.
We were in your neck of the woods for the Total Solar Eclipse this past summer.....
You should makes videos of your work. I'd watch.
You should make videos of that.
Cherokee's finest. Indian can your work be seen
Sure my work can be seen.
Native American people are awesome 👏
They are called Indians... legally and self preferred. Sorry if someone scared you into not speaking plainly
@@trivellekoolaidrian6921 What's more important is they are keeping their culture alive with being craftsman and the women are so talented too. I'm amazed how much they know about how to survive off the land. Some Natives would disagree with your calling them Indians which is what white people called them. They didn't take the time or courtesy to understand they come from tribes with different dialects and traditions. Most identify by their ancestors ...for example: in South Dakota there were bands of Natives like Sicangu (burnt thigh) in Lakota. I love the culture and visited them and will again someday.
Trivelle Koolaidrian you’re wrong. Aboriginal or Native is preferred. Indian has some historically infused racial undertones but go ahead and call one an Indian. I’m sure a lot don’t mind and may not tell you but you will get a surprised look. Just saying.
@@murrayhough3410 or Indigenous
I'm not Cherokee, I'm Mexican/American, but I'm a hunter and love tradition. Your bows are works of art. I would consider it an honor to learn to make a traditional bow, under you.
And?? Being influenced by tradition an Heritage AND keeping it alive is all that really matters. Don't forget man as a Mexican your ancestors was Native American. If you want to embrace it then do so! That is your decision.
@@dannielharrison6449 they also had spanish ancestors
@blllllllllllllllllllrlrlrl7059 There was alot of mixture in bloodlines throughout the many years of existence so its possible but not definite. The Native American was just that, hence the word NATIVES. The Mexican heritage traces back to the ancient Aztec and Mayans, down to Spanish descendants of mostly European and African. So like I said it's different mixtures. But all of the heritage traces back to the "rock dwellers" the culture and ect. Even all the food mostly. There ancient culture are the ones who learned how to smash corn to make tortillas. To make mud brick homes same as the Mexican descendants did in Mexico hundreds of years ago. But those ancient cultures of Natives was neighbors to the ancient Aztecs and Mayans. They had many similarities but every Tribe differs a little. But hunting and Tradition was important in all of them and that's what matters most. I believe this to be important for all of us to hold on to! Whether Asian, European or ect. Culture and Traditions are a beautiful thing that's being lost every passing year. These new generations don't care about it. It's sad.
I love a man that has his heart in his work. Good for you sir, to make them from your heart, not from somebody else's idea of what it should be. It's just amazing to watch how you go about the craft. It's also wonderful to see a proud American keep the old craft of bow making alive and well.
Amazing man, realizes the importance of reviving your roots, history and heritage, great video and great craftsmanship. thank you so much for sharing.
Great video. Reflects a man dedicated to a people, a tradesman who not only can create but thru his shared knowledge is creating more people of skill and knowledge. Thank you Mr. Fields and honor to meet you.
This is Love. Someone who truly Loves himself,his people and where they come from.
Richard you are a true artist what an amazing weapon, so lucky to have some one like you teaching traditional bow making skills
I’m half Sioux and I totally agree with what you’re saying. My grandfather was full blooded and helped raised me growing up becuase my parents worked 9-5( nothing wrong with that) I just spent most of the time with my grandfather when they weren’t around. We would always make bows, arrows, and slings, from oak and yucca plant since we lived in the mountains. He showed me how to do it the old fashioned way- axe and widling knife. It truly is a lost art and once it’s gone it’s gone, seeing u make wood into working pieces of art reminds me of my grandfather and how much value and fun it was. Thank you 🙏🏻
Where you from?
firefox880 , Yucca plants?? THAT has got to be an amazing process. Was the fibers actually the bow limbs or some other part??
@@jeffouellette9946 He's apparently from Oklahoma. Where you from? Louisiana?
You were lucky, Firefox.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Kiaora, greetings from New Zealand. It's wonderful to hear the history of our indigenous peoples in relation to our artists as is today. I myself am involved in traditional clothing, such as weaving. Thanks for sharing.
You ever see someone in a video and you think yeah wed definitely be friends?.... this is that guy...
Funny, I was just thinking the same thing and then I saw your comment. Like to meet him.
You got that rite brother
I like this bloke too. I hope that he can instill the pride of being Cherokee in the young people of today. I think that it's important that you don't lose the knowledge n language of your forefathers.
Cool story
Except he’s wearing a Cleveland Indians hat
Seven years ago and I'm just now seeing this vid 😮! O'siyo Richard, I hope you are well my relative. I appreciate the patience, skill, and love you put into crafting your bows, traditional, very well 👍🏽. I lived on the Qualla Boundary (EBCI) for about 13 years, along with my wife Sher-li, who was born and raised there as an enrolled member, of the Reid family, Deer Clan. It's too bad our paths didn't cross (maybe they did and we didn't know it lol), your spirit is good, you seem to be the kind of man that everyone would appreciate meeting. I am Métis, but, much respect to you as a brother and Wado for this video.
Respect. So many arts of the “old days” are disappearing and in many cases, modern materials and methods just cannot recreate the beauty and form of something handmade from raw, nature given materials. I admire those that live in modern times but revere and preserve the “old ways”.
Richard you never stop doing that making bows ! It is part of your and mine heritage ! My grandfather made them to . If it wasn't a canoe or snow shoes or baskets he'd make bows so ya I love what you do it's inspiring ! Keep up the great work !
hello from the Saginaw Chippwea Indian tribe of Michigan! u should be proud of the heritage u keep alive! our tribal culture's only stay alive if we pass them on to the younger generations!
No doubt
So true
Thank you for keeping our Native traditions alive. Respect.
Love this guys positive thinking...we need more people like him!
my brother i am glad to see you making videos from our old ways. i did not have exposure to our old ways due to my father being inthe military . he was never around to teach me . i respect the old ways and am proud to be cherokee . i hope to see more of your videos ,maybe some of the other old ways . peace my brother
Much love brother.
Keep the spirit alive- much respect.
Thank you, Mr. Fields. It is good of you to share the bow with us.
He loves what he does, you can see it in his eyes. I'm glad he's passing his knowledge on.
Wonderful. Wonderful to see the passion he has for his people. I hope he and the Cherokee go from strength to strength, and pray that they can keep the connection with their glorious past. I am from the UK, about as far from being Native as anyone can be i suppose, but i feel a connection to the Native peoples of N America in my soul. I am truly envious of anyone who can name themselves part of a tribe. I dream of the day when a true Native American becomes President!
The 5:35 that I just involved myself watching this posting was hugely beneficial. Currently I have a draw- knife of decent quality that has been barely used & what I do know is a lot of effort is needed to remove stock. Hugely enjoyed this no B.S. presentation.
This is by far the coolest thing I've seen on UA-cam yet
always amazing to see a master not only doing what he loves but passing it on to others. A true craftsman and hero. FYI love the hat. GO TRIBE
Thanks for mantaining a good tradition and history alive.
I want a bow now
Freak
I can send you one of mine I have a few I am selling for about 10
Proud Monacan, over the past few days I made a ishi stick to begin pressure flaking to better understand and appreciate the old ways , haven't really gotten into bow making yet but I make a traditional Cherokee honeysuckle basket quite well.
Keep up the awesome work my neechie
Proud to have Cherokee blood. Great video
I'm proud to have Blackfoot blood so I guess we would have been enemies but were not so let's be friends ok
i'm proud to have Cherokee blood 🙏 Great Video, thank you
This is really excellent, Richard - thanks for keeping this craft alive!
Love you for what you are doing. Focus on the best of you!
You remind me of my grandfather. He was Cherokee, full of life, and spirit. It’s sad to think back and remember his passing.
Love this video, wonderful proud culture and he seems like a genuine guy too, Bless his heart and his people.
Glad to see there are people who still remember and respect the old ways.
Thank you brother for sharing your knowledge and all you do for Our Folk and Our Nation😚
Just the simple joy of making something with your own hands. That’s universal. Once you are comfortable and confident with what you do, you naturally transition into teaching. Skills are to be passed down. Tomorrow’s generations will need strong, soft spoken, male influences. This is sadly lacking today. Thank you for sharing my friend.
Talented craftsmen used to make things with their hands, now everything is made by machines. I love that there are still people like this man who make things with their hands.
This is art in its truest form. Let machines make devices for daily living and let us make art for ourselves and others in all our free time. This is what humans should be doing more of.
I make traditional bows! Its very satisfying and addicting!
Making things by hand is slow and expensive. Just let me ask, how many hand made items do you have in your house?
@@janbernad4729 All of the hand made things that I have made. Beds, dressers, entertainment centers, book cases, kitchen cabinets, and especially guitars are in my home.
@@rudybigboote3883 So you have made them by yourself, you didnt buy them.
First of all, I love this guy's character. I also love how this guy has picked out one part of his ancestors culture and perfected it. I have done the same thing for my people. I make atlatls and traditional spears of all kinds and it makes me proud to be aleut. Another thing that I'd like to point out is that everything he says is true, native people don't linger in the past we only learn from the past. We can't change the past, so we loom foward to the future and try to make it better. I personally don't want the government to help we can do ot ourselves.
Thank you for this Richard! I'm not sure how much Cherokee I have in me but to me I don't think that matters! What matters to me is learning the old traditions and keeping those old traditions and values alive! Everything you said hit home! I may look white on the outside but my heart and spirit is Cherokee & is deeply saddened by the way things have become. I truly hope that the good in this land & on this planet is not forgotten & hopefully it's not too late to put the cause & effect in reverse! Stay blessed!
@willl 88 nothing to do with guilt, I have nothing to be guilty about thanks, I'm of Polish decent as well as Cherokee and also Norwegian and Black Dutch. Take your judgement and hate somewhere else! ✌️🖕
Bow making ZZTop wearing Indian.Right on your native brother
Oneida Nation. Rock on man!!!
My father made me a bow when I was a kid. This brought back some fond memories. Thanks for posting.
ALL our 1st nations peoples across North America are like the canaries in the mines. If they die ... we all die. So beautiful to see this honourable human illuminating a small part of the path home. Thank you sir.
Beautiful...the bows and your story. Thank you for sharing!!
Do you have bows for sale ?
Cool video. Thanks for sharing this with us. I'm in PA but I lived in Tulsa for 3 years. I have to admit the people down there are the greatest. It took some getting use to, buying a soda (pop), and asking for a bag (sack), so many tornado watches and warnings. But I loved the people and the accent. I wasn't use to the hats, boots and buckles. And I've never met so many Native Americans. Or Mexicans. Some of the nicest people I have ever had the privilege to be friends with. That was about 40 + years ago. Sometimes I Google the satellite map and take a cruise through the old neighborhood. Giant trees growing from the lawn that use to be just grass. The QT convenient store where the dog Lamar got his beer. (TV commercial) and where I met Odetta J. . She was so beautiful ! I've never forgotten her all these years. And how hospitable the people down there were.
He wants Cherokee to find out what being Cherokee is all about. Every American should do the same, as much as possible.
Why should a Californian learn about the Cherokee? I mean there is nothing wrong with them learning about them but the Cherokee weren’t the only tribe and the Cherokee’s are from the southeast US. Roughly northern Georgia.
Yeah because people keep thinking they don’t use modern technology and think they still use Stone Age equipment.
I've recently started bow making and videos like yours are an inspiration thanks.
Love this. I’m not a Cherokee but I have a profound respect for the principle people. Respect this art. Thanks for sharing. I don’t always remember just the trail. Wado
Richard Fields, thank you for sharing your work, your live of Bow making and importance of keeping old traditions alive as well as the language
May The Great Spirit Bless U My Brother, in hindsight just now, I think He has. Respect.....
After 60 seconds, I am a fan. I really like his attitude
May you keep your bow at full draw forever
Why would you wish that one anyone? Are you some kind of sicko? Think how painful would it be to keep a bow at full draw forever.
I think it means may you have the strength, even in old age, to be able to do a full draw on your bow.
mousie m bahahaha same
Thank you for sharing your art. I agree with most of the comments below what is art that is lost, I hope you find people to continue it on.
I didn't catch exactly where this was filmed, sound's like OK. Awesome video!
Yup, Oklahoma. I looked up his museum to find the location.
7 clans
Tahlequah , OK
Great video. We lost and forget too much about our ancestors and the lessons they taught themselves. Great work my friend. Keep living. :)
Respect
This makes me miss my grandfather.... he was much of a man. A true Cherokee warrior.
Loving life having fun loving what ya do is what it is all about .
It is so wonderful to see other Cherokee people teach others. Our culture is disappearing. The world seems to not want us to be able to hold on to our heritage, thank you so much. Osiyo
Love to the all Native people in The Americas, I wish I knew how you call yourselves as people in your language but nonetheless we love from Algeria 🇩🇿
Awesome Richard. No one can teach to another the view from ones eye to his heart.
Thank You for sharing in you vision and art.
Mike
Long live the Cherokee
Holy cow... just when I needed a reason to think life has its worth... My brother! What a beautiful talent... Simply amazing...
I would love to be your apprentice. I wish I could live in that area and even though I am 13 I an some what of an old sole and I do everything I can to preserve the old ways.
Leo G same man only I'm 16 I'd rather be put making boys and hunting traditionally than play video games haha
Leo G I’m 14 and am the same way
Old soul*. Keep doing your thing. We need more young-ins that can objectively evaluate traditions and pass them along.
Laser Games I'm 15 and can thatch and I have been blacksmithing since I was 12
I hope my son is like you at 13 he's only four and I want him to toughen up and learn to hunt bu5 he's a mommas boy so far
let me you something Mr Fields, there is a revival in traditional bow making happening all over the world. People are realizing that making stick bows as well as making knives and other similar things Is cool and special. You wouldn't believe how many guys in their 20's I meet that love this stuff. I live in Canada and Ive been making bows for at least years. So as far as this skill disappearing, I wouldn't worry too much about it. By the way great job on those bows.
Might be nice to give information on how to buy a hand made bow from you.
Your bow making skills are fantastic , I made my first one out of Osage orange, I learned from my mistakes, I cut it the wrong time of year, by the time I had it shaped the ends were splitting, but I agree with u on the serenity of bow carving, just u and nature. Great video, keep your traditions strong and pass them on. Stay Blessed.
"Swamp-Dawggy",😂😂😂👍👍👍
Sound's like Bubba-Joe's cousin-brother-uncle-dad-grandpa. XD
Baahaaahaha I read it as soon as he said it lol
What's a swamp doggy? I only know swamp donkey. That's what we call big deer that hide in the swamps.
Ive tried making a bow from a very young sapling, was really excited. I broke that thing when i put the string on it. Have a cedar log curing right now. Hope i can make something out of it.
On a side note, i love how you refused to take the victim mentality and instead strive to show how strong you are in spite of any and everything. True strength comes from within, from believing you can achieve something no matter the obstacle.
we are losing our past. if we lose our past our future is lost.
It's called progress.
@@chechnya that's white American thinking and I'm white ... Progress mean beneficial as a whole. No one in this country is working together anymore . your refering to technological advancement. But thats more or less just pure laziness. I dont judge you or what you know. I think we need to be careful how we view and label things these days. If I had the money and knew I could learn from aboriginals I would. When was the last time you baked a cake from scratch ? The results when Excuted correctly are very rewarding. You did it all. No box no label no instructions.. I think that's all he's trying to get at. Know it (your tradition) so well it will carry on throughout the ages. That's what it was all about. Dont let my comment draw anything away from what you said. I promise I'm not trying to pick on you I just see many different views. Thank you for letting me share. If not I hope you have a marvelous life !
Which is why the romans failed as a civilization quickly. Because they left that caveman life style...
*Almost last for a millennium*
A great video of a man who truly knows his craft and has skills and knowledge that if lost will be extremely hard if not impossible to get back, I always respect somebody who has these traditional skills no matter what culture they come from as many of these skills are slowly disappearing especially those that are Labour intensive, If you have a particular traditional skill or set of skills then please do pass them on before they are lost forever, Blessings to all.
shannonandsheila1 Ok make 9ne and let us all review it I'm sure you know all about fletching and making Arrow heads too, Bearing in mind that your statement of "Stoneage man figured it out" it took them at least a couple if generations of trial and error to perfect it so they did all the ground work for you didn't they, So I shall wait with much anticipation to see your Bow and how it measures up to the one in the Video I'm sure your one will be fantastic! So come on what are you waiting for? After all how hard can it be?.
Osage was also used to make clubs. The fruit is a great spider repellent.
Ryan Williams osage is very hard so its good for basically anything that needs strenght.
Do you have personal experience with the fruits keeping spiders away? And if so, where they being kept out of a house, off of your person, or out of a garden? Sorry, just want to learn. Thanks😉
They were used at the indoor bow facility that I went to go to as a kid. They placed them around the perimeter and in crawl spaces.
Ahhhh, okay. So just the whole fruits, and not crushed up, or cooked in hot water etc.. thank you!!! Ironically, I lived for a couple years in a highly infested old farmhouse...and I happened to keep a bunch of Osage Oranges on my little table on the porch. If I had know this, I would have spread them all around different rooms...😂
Not spiders repellent
I really appreciate the lack of cliches in this video along with the beautiful bows this man makes. And his humility! Wearing a Cleveland Indians hat!
Love and Blessings.........
🌱🌿🌳🌲🎯🌞
Love what your saying and doing.. keep up the great work and more importantly...your teaching
how long does a tree take to grow?........just asking.......anyways awesome talent
indrajit bagchi Depends on the tree species.
Probably around 20 years
Wish I wasn't soooo old. Would truly enjoy learning from you but age is not in my favor. Much respect and honor to you and what you do for your people. Too many things have been forgotten about the indigenous peoples of a land named America.
Like the Chief Wahoo hat.
Is that really his name??😂 I had a plastic drinking cup with him on it when I was a kid in Jersey.
I like his OU Sooner hat.
@@samuelluria4744 yes. I'm a lifelong Cleveland Indians fan.
I like your video and I am married to my wife she is Cherokee mixed from Tennessee and me well I am mixed with Ojibwe or Chippewa from Bay Mills Reservation in the upper peninsula of Michigan and I agree with what you say we need to preserve our way of life and heritage and pass it along to the next generation and keep it alive.
I also made many bows and arrows and I still enjoy it I use many methods make my own pine pitch and brush the limbs and use natural heat to help prepare the bow for many years of use nothing fancy but fully functional and endures all weather conditions it has to handle freezing and hot Summers and foggy damp mornings and dry days I like using vegetable oil 🌽 to brush on the limbs and slowly heat it into the limbs helps keep nice tiller and little string follow
All Natives in this country deserve way way more than they have received. It's pathetic the way this country has treated the many groups of Native people. This country should be ashamed.
White Vril Whites were actually here before they were.
Howard McCauley
I am Ashamed of this Countrys Government, I love this Country.
Richard Myhan There’s not a single country on earth that hasn’t done bad stuff.
HairyBottom
Agreed!
Don't like it? fucking leave
Awesome craftsmanship and thank you for sharing your heritage.