the blowgunner

the blowgunner

... a day with the Cherokee Nation


The craftsmen working on the famed Cherokee blowguns are perhaps the most intriguing for the adventuresome visitor to the Oconalufte Indian Village. Enraptured young boys and girls, as well as curious adults, are fascinated by this unique Cherokee hunting weapon that is made from river cane that grows along the riverbanks in the surrounding area.

Cane is gathered and stored until dry, then straightened by first holding it over an open fire and then bending it over the craftman's knee. After the cane is straightened, it is then cut into the length of the blowgun needed. By using a metal tool, the Cherokee craftsman will knock out the joints inside, then smooth them out with a wooden stick with a piece of rough metal attached to the end.

Before the introduction of metals, the Cherokee people used a long wooden shaft with a piece of flint attached to the end to make their blowguns. Made from yellow locust and Scottish thistle down, the shafts are formed individually. Thistle down that has been gathered for this purpose can be seen dangling against the thatched hut above the craftsman's demonstration. After it is dry, the craftsman will take the down out of the pod and place it between his thumb and forefinger. By using string he can roll the down onto the shaft of the dart.

The blowgun was never used in warfare but only for hunting small game such as rabbits and squirrels. How far a blowgun would shoot would depend upon the length of the blowgun and the person's lung power. There are sure to be awed onlookers as the craftsman tests out his blowgun on a distant target!

Oconaluftee Indian Village, 2010

http://www.cherokee-nc.com