What were Arapahoe Indian tools?

The Arapaho were typical of the Plains tribes and they used the same weapons as the Cheyenne, Suhtaio, Lakota, Blackfoot, Kiowa and others.

The main weapon for warfare and hunting was the bow. This was kept in a decorated bowcase with the string taken off one bow tip ("unstrung") when it was not being used; another section of the case held the arrows. Arapaho bows were made of hickory or Osage orangewood and were about 48 inches long, sometimes painted a solid colour on the back (such as blue-green). One surviving example has small sections of bear fur wrapped around each limb towards the tip and its string is made of buffalo sinew.

Arrows were around 26 inches long, fitted with metal points and fletched with buzzard, turkey or hawk feathers about 5 to 7 inches long.

Secondary weapons included trade knives, wooden and bone clubs, lances and guns obtained from white traders.

Many warriors carried typical small, round shield about 18 to 22 inches across made of thick buffalo hide with protective designs painted on the front surface - or on an additional deerskin cover.

Warriors also carried a coup stick, intended to strike an enemy but not to injure him. If done in view of witnesses this would count as a war achievement and added to the warrior's personal achievements in battle.

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