old style northern men bustle construction

[Wangi Chetan]

If any of you men could share some knowledge as to how to make this bustle I would be ever so grateful. I have never really looked that closely; I only have experience with women regalia. I have made my grandson ribbon ****s (tan with buffalo), tan buckskin loin cloth, leggings, and tobacco pouch. He found himself a war club when we where out hiking. I made him a turkey feather fan.

Now he wants an old style bustle, he has chosen pheasant tail and wings to make the bustle with. He wants white leather dots with yellow fluffs and horse hair on the tips of the long feathers. He wants a black drop with yellow ribbon and hawk feathers.

I do not want to use a kit:
I have some good pictures of old style bustles.

How do I attach it?
I am thinking of using a leather belt.

Does the drop attach to the bustle itself?

Any other information you think would be good for this grandma to know about the bustle I would appreciate you sharing.

[billthepill469]

Use imitation sinew to attach leather loops to the backboard then run your sash, belt or straps through the loops to attach the bustle around the waist.
Drill 2 holes at the base of the backboard, use a 1/2" dowel about 14" long and attach the stick to the board with sinew. Slide the 2 6" or 1 12" trailers onto the stick and you're good to go.
If you can find it grab a copy of Whispering Wind, volume 38, issue 2. It has a good update on contemporary Northern Traditional bustle construction.
For an old style bustle Crazy Crow and other stores sell the Northern Traditional crafts book. It's got old style bustle construction tips.
Good luck.

[Wangi Chetan]

Thanks for the tips I will get both sources of information. Thanks again