Sioux style willowback/bed

[hunter63]

Not a real big fan of "I'm fixin' on" projects...
But a willow back....back rest/bed has been on my mind for a while....and have actually started a couple .....

Willow backrest....Images from web...
Tapered for backrest

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stand.....

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Full width for bed....
Used as bed on "4 poster frame"
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Here is a reference and where I got the image of the bed.
http://www.inquiry.net/outdoor/nativ...willow_bed.htm

Process is...
Cut enough pieces of thin straight willow (say 90 pcs X 30" long)... tie into tight
bundle.....let dry.
Peeling ? make smooth...
Tried both waiting till .dry (PITA)...

And peeling them green (be aware to wear gloves) as willow bark contains a chemical called salicin that is similar to aspirin......I think I got too much as I felt sick for a while after peeling a bunch
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supple...ono-955-willow bark.aspx?activeingredientid=955&activeingredientn ame=willow bark

(Willow bark in natures aspirin)

Anyway never got enough straight pieces to make the rest....
Had a nice patch at "The Place" in a field, by the the river....but got down there to cut some...farmer have disked it in as it was spreading into the field.

I would thing as it is self supporting a frame would not have to be too fancy.

Still on my list of things to do....might have a better crop of willow as the bottom field is very wet.

[randyt]

that's awesome, been on my to do list too

[madmax]

Yeah man. That was one of our projects at one Pot and Machete Challenge. 3 days wasn't enough time to complete using all natural materials, scavenging for food, and firewood.

[kyratshooter]

Three days is not enough because you do not have four squaws doing the scrounging, cooking and willow sprout peeling like the inventors of that contraption had!