Traditional bows crafted by Joe “Eddie” Hernandez will be on display during the first quarter of 2026 at Sibley Nature Center, featuring a historic style of bow-making that Hernandez said he works to preserve through his craftsmanship and classes.
Hernandez said his fascination with bows and firearms began early and later evolved into craftsmanship.
“I have always been fascinated with bows, arrows, rifles and handguns so it didn’t surprise me that I wanted to make a traditional bow that was one of a kind and functional,” Hernandez said.
After training under renowned bowyer Ed Scott and crafting his own traditional bow, Hernandez realized that the historic style of hunting he admired was being overshadowed.
“I realized that the traditional way of hunting was being overtaken by compound bows and crossbows,” he said. “I knew that traditional equipment was difficult to find so I concluded that I had to make my own. So why not keep the culture of the traditional bow and arrow alive.”
That mission expanded into teaching. Once he began advertising bow-making classes, interest grew quickly. “It has been a fascinating undertaking and I’m helping keep the traditional way of making a bow a reality,” he said.
For Hernandez, the bow represents far more than a hunting tool.
“I hope that people realize that the bow is a very big part of the history of mankind,” he said. Visitors are often surprised to learn that a functional bow can be shaped from the trunk or limb of a tree and admire “the craftsmanship that goes into making a bow from natural materials.”
Each piece begins with a stave of wood, but the material ultimately determines the outcome.
“You can plan on making a particular kind of a bow, but the stave will let you know what kind of a bow you’re going to make,” Hernandez said.
Osage is his preferred wood, while hickory is ideal for beginners. Bamboo provides a resilient backing, and horn from a Gemsbok antelope creates a striking, functional bow.
Teaching, he said, is about more than shaping wood.
“Teaching a student to make a traditional bow goes beyond crafting the bow,” Hernandez said. “I bond with every one of my students and keep in touch with them after the bow is completed. Hoping that they will keep the tradition going.”