Apache Grip (3under)

Blairsville-Dave · #1 04-27-2012, 07:48 PM

Anyone know if Apaches used a 3 under grip. June/July issue of TBM page 66 talks about Apache Grip being 3under. I did a internet search and didn't find any info. Dave

Dirty44Dan · #2 05-02-2012, 07:04 PM

They did not. No Indians used a three-under grip. Look in Laubin's "American Indian Archery" to see the various grips. There is no 3 under.

Dirty44Dan · #3 05-02-2012, 07:41 PM

Here you go, Dave. I copied the illustrations of the various Indian grips. There is no 3-under grip--I think for two reasons: poor nocks that would not stay locked on string, and short bows that would crimp three fingers severely.

RBM · #4 05-02-2012, 07:57 PM

The only grip I have ever seen Native American Indians use is a thumb/foreknuckle pinch and that is it. Quicker release. No problems unlike modern finger tip methods. Just like Dirty44Dan posted on the top primary illustration.

Blairsville-Dave · #5 05-02-2012, 09:05 PM

Thanks Dan & RBM - I had searched some after I read the article, but couldn't find anything. Dave

TNGIRL · #6 05-03-2012, 08:49 AM

That's cool Dan......thanks for the pic!!!!!I have observed on many recent films, other grips. I even like to try them out at times. But sometimes I can't hold them well or long at all. Not that my bow is such a heavy poundage, more that my fingers and hands don't hold or grip like they did when I was a younger woman.

ChoctawBow · #7 05-03-2012, 09:59 PM

The Apache shot with a 3-finger, Mediterranian release, just like the majority of trad hunters today. They were the minority though of North American tribes, as most used the Secondary or Tertiary type release. From what I understand anyway. Going to post a couple of pictures of Apache archers, either late 19th century or very early 20th century. Well, don't have a photo account to post URL image. If you shoot me your email I would be glad to email the digital copy of the photographs to you. I am just beginning an effort to try to learn the secondary type release. Hard to do with a modern string material, since it hurts your fingers. I am in process of obtaining a rawhide string that is larger in diameter and smoother.

ChoctawBow · #8 05-03-2012, 10:18 PM

Let's try this.

ChoctawBow · #9 05-03-2012, 10:19 PM

Trying again to post image.

ChoctawBow · #10 05-03-2012, 10:20 PM

And another.

ChoctawBow · #11 05-03-2012, 10:30 PM

There is a FB group that is devoted solely to Native American archery

(Mods, please delete if inappropriate for me to provide this)

Just giving a group where that's all they focus on - I don't think that will lure folks away from this terrific site; just trying to add some content with my photo's above. I love this type of stuff and would like to discuss/contribute more on this site.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/352011098156203/

ChoctawBow · #12 05-03-2012, 10:48 PM

If you shoot an Apache style bow, you would be fully period-accurate using a Mediterranian release. But Creeks, Seminole, and other GA region tribes used the pinch type grips. But I imagine it was like we throw a baseball or do other physical activities - not everyone did it the same. Surely there were some who experimented or adopted other techniques over time.