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.

Amdo craft does Tibetan slings.

Do you have a close up of the cords? From the pics I'm guessing it's an 8-16 strand round braid that then goes into a kumihimo/palma style braid shown in the picture. Also, how about the ends? Is there a finger loop or wrist loop? What about the release, a knot, bead, or one of those extravagant tassel thingies I see one some South American slings.


Either way I have no idea how to make one  , although I'm guessing Timman or Timothy Potter would be your best bet in making a reproduction.

curious_aardvark wrote on May 12^th, 2012 at 4:12pm:


We just got quite a few slings made by the Tibetan nomads that work with us. Some of the new ones are very nice. We, as AmdoCraft, are willing to donate one to the center.  Last year we also had one made by request from a museum in Berlin, so we can also try to make a replica if you send me some pictures. The pictures you provided are a bit unclear what 'your stolen' one looked like.
You can see a few pictures of our slings here:  http://www.amdocraft.com/shop/en/tibetan-products/e10.html

Klaas

I would love to supply better pictures, but unfortunately these are all the ones I have.  I took them with my cell phone a while ago, and, of course, I don't have the option to take more now.

While Patagonian would be nifty, I'm sure the nature center would appreciate anything historically accurate.

Klaas,your offer is quite generous, and I'd be happy to present Oregon Ridge with such a gift.

Woven solid pouch but with a split center.  24-strand black and white Margarita braid as decoration on both sides of the pouch.  The cords themself is braided with some round/square braid, length unknown.  This is how I read the picture. 
Several around here, even I, could make something wich gave the impression of being of similar type .

An AmdoCraft sling would do the job just nicely, though.
timann

And_Your_Bird_Can_Sling wrote on May 14^th, 2012 at 1:30pm:


I will send you one of the readily available authentic Tibetan Slings:
Send my your address details to:
klaas@amdocraft.com

Bravo to you AmdoCraft. Dare I say it.......you are a Klaas act!!