Construction of
Naturalistic Items representing indigenous, native technology
ZI.KI.A,
Inc. is unique as we construct every naturalistic item
used to support lectures, as teaching aids for hands-on
learning including construction classes, and expedition
use of these items so many people can receive a complete
and meaningful experience and understanding of how
it once really was. New construction and often necessary
repairs are on-going, year-around endeavors.
American Composite Bow - The sheep horn
bow
Since the early 1960's early American
archery has become an on-going interest among people intrigued
with North American Indian heritage. Among a list of North American
Indian bows, the American composite stands out as perhaps
the finest example of North American Indian bows in existence.
The American composite bow is a short
bow, 33-45 inches long, constructed with sinew backing
over a ram's horn base. There are many legends and stories
told around these bows. No written record of them was kept,
and those bows collected between 1868 and into the reservation
period only represented the simplest form that existed
when American Indian cultural heritage was in steep decline...
and at a time the use of horses made it unnecessary to
achieve the fantastic flight standards earlier bows were
reported to have. There is evidence of American composite
bows that would shoot 500 plus yards. The last known were
used by Nez Perce on their magnificent run from Idaho through
the Yellowstone and North to Canada.
Little written material exists on the
American composite bow. Material that does exist is restricted
to replicating original bows constructed during the cultural
decline... bows with a cast averaging
only 245 yards. Most American composite bows today
are classified or referred to as "buffalo bows;" however,
relentless, on-going research has revealed a multitude
of special uses for different types that did exist. Underlying qualities in the American composite
have surfaced that render it equal to the finest of Asiatic composite,
war bows.
ZI.KI.A founder, Jack McKey, has constructed
many examples of the American composite, mountain sheep
horn bow, and still continues to research and construct
examples capable of casting an Indian style arrow the phenomenal,
historical distances these bows were reported to achieve.
Approximately 100 "hands-on" hours are required
just to make one of these rare bows not including curing
time, tillering, conditioning, and testing. All things
considered in combination can require upwards to three
to five years for proper completion.
A working, North American composite
bow is perhaps the most sought after North American artifact
in existence today. Jack McKey continues to perpetuate
his energies to teach and reveal the extent of capabilities
this excellent bow can and did at one time achieve!
Indigenous, naturalistic water craft
There are perhaps more vessels, vessel
types, of more materials, and more diversified construction
methods in the Northwest than other locations on Earth.
There are the skin boats of Coastal Alaska - kayaks, umiaks,
bidarkas, in different styles and types to meet local
needs. There are large moose hide canoes and small skin-covered
rat canoes of the interior; canoes of different types,
sizes and construction methods in birch bark, spruce,
cedar, and pine bark; large and small dugout canoes of
many types and sizes for diversified uses in both fresh
and saltwater. There are the small coracles of the western
plains, the "bull
boats", and temporary boats fashioned with lodge
covers over lodge poles for quick river crossings, and
the cattail and tule grass craft west of the Divide.
The list is extensive... this is cultural
heritage so profound that no reason exists to not replicate,
re-use, display, store, and preserve these excellent examples
of water craft for educational purposes and posterity.
Support equipment that accompanies each vessel is so varied
in design, purpose, material, and use that these items,
too, warrant equal consideration as the vessels themselves.
Many types of water craft are essential
to perpetuate ZI.KI.A goals and access a myriad of waterways
that serve as outdoor classrooms. Utilizing indigenous
water craft sets a learning atmosphere and adds mystical
realism to excursions and field trips without excessive
impact.
"To learn the true intellectual
level of an indigenous people, study their shelters,
tools, weapons, and their boats!...But,
be it a reminder that you, too, must possess intellectual
endowment and naturalistic sensitivity capable of understanding
what you see! " Jack McKey
Traditional Land Transportation
Horses and Dogs
ZI.KI.A, Inc. involves horses and dogs
in naturalistic transportation programs. Both animals played
very significant roles in the history and development of
the United States. They are included in lectures,
hands-on projects, and expedition experiences over many
historical routes used in the development of this nation.
The educational, historical, and cultural use of horses
and dogs is extensive as is the accompanying support equipment. "We have used the American Quarter Horse and Blackmouth Cur Dog for this purpose due to their versatility, endurance, and historical significance.
Wild Species Project
ZI.KI.A, Inc. supports conservation efforts to re-introduce
wildlife species into the wilds and reclaiming areas void
of wild plant species. Many such projects fall under the
direction of State and Federal Wildlife programs for soil
conservation and providing wildlife habitat. We further
support programs of raising and releasing both fresh and
saltwater aquatic species that not only perpetuate the
health and growth of a single species, but also of all
other things relying on these species for natural balance.
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