Hi all,
Until recently, Baltimore County's Oregon Ridge Nature Center (
http://www.oregonridge.org/ ) had a genuine Patagonian sling on display, among its many exhibits on nature and primitive technology. It was an artful and informative piece, the only sling in a display of bows, blowguns, and other neolithic weaponry. In fact, when I first noticed it, I felt inspired to attempt to duplicate the techniques used to make it, and, though mine was a shoddy reproduction at best, I was thankful to Oregon Ridge and its workers for bringing South American slings to my attention. It is my hope I was not the only visitor who felt this way.
Last week, however, when I showed my creation to one of the park workers, he was saddened to tell me that their sling had been stolen just that weekend--ripped right off the display wall. I was disappointed to say the least, and I wanted to help them replace it. But, as I've said, I don't (yet) have the talents to do so.
I have confidence, however, that the members of slinging.org's forum have among them the skills to make a replacement. It doesn't have to be a perfect replica, but I would love to gift Oregon Ridge with a sling (or slings) in the same style as the one they lost. To the best of my recollection and understanding, the arms of the sling were a two color margarita braid, and I have a couple pictures of its cradle here:
http://imgur.com/a/zMj6z Is anyone willing/able to help out? I'll gladly coordinate here or via PM with any volunteers.