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Bob Reed

Bob Reed

Cherokee arrowhead and blowgun maker Cherokee, NC (Qualla Boundary)

Bob Reed demonstrates the making of arrowheads, blowguns, and blowgun darts as well as the use of the blowgun. He also demonstrates wood carving and chipping arrowheads. His presentations describe Cherokee life during the 1500 – 1700s, a time when Cherokees were making their own tools. Typically, he presents school programs for students in 5th grade and older, and he always leaves time for question and answer sessions.

Bob Reed grew up in the Big Cove Community of the Qualla Boundary and attended Cherokee Elementary and High Schools. He learned much about the old Cherokee way of life from his grandfather. As a youngster, he was fascinated with old arrowheads, and later learned the art of arrowhead chipping from Johnson Bradley. Bob Reed learned woodcarving from the renowned artist Amanda Crowe when she taught at Cherokee High School. In 1965, he joined the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam. He has been working as a guide at the Oconaluftee Indian Village since 1969, where he learned to make blowguns, darts, and bow drills. Bob Reed is also a champion blowgun competitor.

Through his years of experience at the Oconaluftee Living History Village, Bob Reed has become comfortable with the public. In the mid-1970s, he began giving school presentations about Cherokee life and culture. He has performed at Mountain Heritage Day at Western Carolina University, at Mars Hill College, at many area school systems throughout western North Carolina, and at events in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia.

Availability:

Call to discuss the amount of his fee. Bob Reed will travel anywhere, as long as his travel costs are reimbursed. He will need help lifting any demonstration equipment that weighs more than five pounds.

Available Services