Polynesian arrow


Polynesian arrow
A Polynesian arrow is an arrow with a tail that is thrown by hand, using a piece of string. The result is a "slingshot" effect that propels the arrow much further than if it were simply thrown by hand.

It's a craft to do with children, for example on an afternoon when they're a bit idle...

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Last modified on: September 5th 2024

What you need

How to ?

Polynesian arrow

Sharpen one extremity of the wood stick (could be made by kids).

Cut straight the other extremity, using a saw.

Polynesian arrow

Splint his extremity in four on about 6 cm or 3 inches.

Polynesian arrow

With scissors cut plastic to get 2 rectangles of 10x5 cm or 4x2 inches (about).

Make a slash in the center of the two plastic rectangles, and fit together to make feathers.

Polynesian arrow

Put feathers in the bottom arrow and fix it with some iron wire (in red on the schema).

Polynesian arrow

You should have something look like that.

Polynesian arrow

Possibly cut again feathers to get beveld ones, more esthetic.

Polynesian arrow

Make the nick about two cm or one inch from feathers (in blue on the schema).

Then prepare the string by making a simple knot on its extremity.

Polynesian arrow

You should have something look like that.

Polynesian arrow

The arrow is over, to test it just throw it high, if it plant in earth, it's ok... Otherwise it's maybe too heavy (wood too big, or too large in diameter, you should reduce), or feathers too small, you can enlarge it.

Throwing

Polynesian arrow

String is rolled, with its knot, around the nick.

Polynesian arrow

String is tight along the arrow.

Polynesian arrow

The remaining string is rolled around hand launcher.

Polynesian arrow

And the all is hold by the arrow extremity.

Polynesian arrow

And then throwed away...

Miscellanous

Be careful, arrow can be throwed far, so take care with all around and teach the kids security rules: demonstration, never toward humans or animals, etc...).

You can make a target, by putting in the garden or field an old bike tyre, the goal is to plant the arrow in.

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  • We made and played with these when we were kids back in the 60's. We called them French arrows and if they were weighted on the tip they often flew over 200 meters. Fantastic fun for kids.
    Posted by Geoffrey september 11th 2009 at 20:32 n° 1

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