Penobscot Bow Erenhill – Native American Double Bow

The Penobscot Bow is one of the most distinctive double-bow concepts associated with traditional North American archery.

Unlike a conventional self bow, longbow or flatbow, the Penobscot uses two connected flexible bow structures: a larger main bow and a smaller secondary bow.

The secondary bow is not decorative. It forms part of the working system and influences the load placed on the main limbs.

The Erenhill Penobscot Bow brings this unusual construction to contemporary traditional archers in four draw weights:

• 30 lb

• 35 lb

• 40 lb

• 45 lb

It is offered under the Erenhill brand as a modern functional bow inspired by the traditional double-bow principle.

What is a Penobscot Bow?

A Penobscot Bow is a double-bow construction consisting of:

• a main bow,

• a smaller secondary bow,

• connections between both bow structures,

• and the main bowstring used by the archer.

When the bow is drawn, the secondary system affects how the main limbs are loaded.

This creates a fundamentally different mechanical arrangement from a conventional single bow.

The distinctive double structure is therefore not simply an aesthetic feature.

Both bow sections form one working system.

Where does the name Penobscot come from?

The name Penobscot is closely connected with the Penobscot River in what is now the state of Maine in the northeastern United States.

The Penobscot people lived along the river and its surrounding territory, and the river formed an essential part of travel, food gathering, hunting and community life.

The name of the people and the geographical identity of the Penobscot River became closely connected.

The name Penobscot Bow later became associated with the distinctive double-bow construction linked to this North American tradition.

Why does the Penobscot use a second bow?

A common oversimplification is that the double-bow design existed simply because the available wood was of poor quality.

That explanation is misleading.

Wood can be perfectly healthy and usable while still being very flexible and providing relatively low resistance in a particular bow design.

Adding a second flexible bow creates another working element in the system.

Instead of relying exclusively on one pair of limbs, the two bow structures interact.

This can influence:

• initial resistance during the draw,

• loading of the main limbs,

• the force-draw behaviour,

• stored energy,

• and the overall shooting characteristics of the bow.

The important distinction is therefore between poor-quality wood and wood whose flexibility or mechanical resistance requires a different construction to achieve the desired bow performance.

The double-bow principle is an ingenious way of changing the behaviour of the entire system without simply making one conventional bow thicker and heavier.

Is the secondary bow only decorative?

No.

The smaller secondary bow is a functional component.

It is connected to the main bow and affects the way the main structure is loaded.

This is what makes the Penobscot mechanically interesting.

A conventional longbow primarily relies on one continuous bow structure.

A Penobscot combines two flexible structures that work together.

Historical Penobscot bows and modern interpretations

Historical Penobscot archery belongs to the wider archery traditions of the Indigenous peoples of northeastern North America.

The modern Erenhill Penobscot should not be described as an exact replica of one specific surviving historical bow.

Instead, it is best understood as a modern functional interpretation of the Penobscot double-bow principle.

This distinction is important.

The historical inspiration lies in:

• the double-bow concept,

• the interaction of a main and secondary bow,

• the characteristic silhouette,

• and the mechanical idea of using interconnected flexible elements.

The contemporary bow uses modern materials to provide consistent performance for regular archery.

Modern materials

The Erenhill Penobscot uses fiberglass limbs as its primary flexible elements.

The siyahs, handle and rigid structural components are made from laminated birch.

The bow also incorporates leather elements and a Fast Flight string.

This means that the bow combines a historically inspired construction concept with modern materials.

It should therefore not be presented as a primitive all-wood reproduction.

Available draw weights

The Penobscot Bow is available in:

Penobscot 30 lb

The lightest available version.

It is suitable for archers who prefer a lower draw weight or want to explore the unusual double-bow system without immediately moving to a stronger bow.

The bow itself weighs approximately 900 g, so even the 30 lb version has a different feel from a lightweight beginner bow.

Penobscot 35 lb

A balanced intermediate option for regular traditional and instinctive archery.

It may suit archers who already have basic shooting technique and want more draw weight than the 30 lb version.

Penobscot 40 lb

A stronger version intended primarily for archers who can already control a traditional bow of approximately 40 lb safely and consistently.

Correct back tension, stable posture and controlled draw become increasingly important as draw weight rises.

Penobscot 45 lb

The strongest standard version.

It is intended primarily for experienced archers who already have the technique and physical preparation required for stronger traditional bows.

The maximum draw length of 32 inches must always be respected.

Bow dimensions

The Erenhill Penobscot has:

• overall bow length: 148 cm

• string length: 135 cm

• maximum draw: 32 inches

• recommended brace height: 6 inches

• approximate bow weight: 900 g

The relatively substantial weight is a natural consequence of the double construction and its additional structural components.

What does a 6-inch brace height mean?

The recommended brace height is 6 inches.

Brace height and draw length are two different measurements.

Brace height describes the basic distance between the strung bow and its string around the grip area.

The maximum draw length describes how far the archer may safely draw the bow.

For this model, maximum draw length is 32 inches.

Choosing arrows for the Penobscot Bow

Arrow selection must match the actual draw weight and draw length of the archer.

Important parameters include:

• arrow length,

• spine,

• total arrow weight,

• point weight,

• actual draw length,

• and the selected 30, 35, 40 or 45 lb bow version.

An arrow suitable for a 30 lb Penobscot should not automatically be considered suitable for a 45 lb version.

The arrow must also be long enough for the archer's actual draw.

Is the Penobscot suitable for beginners?

The 30 lb version may be suitable for some beginners, particularly when they are physically prepared and learning under experienced supervision.

However, the Penobscot is not the simplest possible first bow.

The archer must consider:

• the approximate 900 g bow weight,

• the unusual double construction,

• correct arrow selection,

• and the different feel of the bow during the draw.

A lightweight conventional traditional bow may therefore be easier for a complete beginner learning the basic shooting sequence.

How does a Penobscot differ from a longbow?

A conventional longbow works primarily as a single bow structure.

The Penobscot uses a main bow and secondary bow connected into one system.

The difference is therefore structural, not merely visual.

The secondary bow changes how the main bow is loaded during the draw.

How does a Penobscot differ from a compound bow?

The Penobscot does not use cams or modern compound-bow pulleys.

Its mechanical behaviour comes from the interaction between two flexible bow structures.

It is therefore fundamentally different from a modern compound bow.

The visual complexity may look unusual, but the underlying principle remains based on flexible bow limbs and strings rather than a cam system.

Can the Penobscot be used for 3D archery?

Yes, depending on:

• selected draw weight,

• arrow specifications,

• point type,

• distance,

• and the rules of the particular 3D course.

Always use arrows and points permitted by the course operator.

Penobscot for traditional and instinctive archery

The unusual double-bow construction makes the Penobscot particularly interesting for archers interested in:

• traditional archery,

• instinctive archery,

• North American bow designs,

• historical bow construction,

• experimental traditional bow mechanics,

• 3D archery,

• educational demonstrations,

• and bow collecting.

Its strongest characteristic is not simply its appearance.

It provides an opportunity to experience a bow based on a fundamentally different structural concept from the conventional longbow, flatbow or Asiatic reflex bow.

Penobscot Bow for collectors

For collectors of traditional bows, the Penobscot represents an unusual branch of bow design.

A collection may contain:

• English longbows,

• flatbows,

• Asiatic reflex bows,

• Turkish bows,

• Mongolian bows,

• Korean bows,

• Native American self bows,

• and the Penobscot double-bow concept.

The Penobscot is distinctive because its identity comes primarily from its mechanical construction, not simply from decorative styling.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Penobscot Bow

What is a Penobscot Bow?

A Penobscot Bow is a double-bow system using a main bow connected to a smaller secondary bow.

Why is it called a Penobscot Bow?

The name is associated with the Penobscot people and the Penobscot River region of present-day Maine.

Why does it have two bows?

The secondary bow provides another flexible element that interacts with the main limbs and changes the loading and draw behaviour of the system.

Was the second bow added because the wood was poor quality?

Not necessarily.

The relevant issue is not simply wood quality. A healthy piece of wood can still be highly flexible or provide lower resistance than desired. The second bow allows the mechanical behaviour of the complete system to be changed.

Is the small bow functional?

Yes. It is part of the working double-bow system.

Is the Erenhill Penobscot an exact historical replica?

No. It is a modern functional bow inspired by the traditional Penobscot double-bow concept.

Who manufactures the Erenhill Penobscot?

The product is offered under the Erenhill brand. Erenhill is presented as the brand, not as the manufacturer.

What draw weights are available?

30, 35, 40 and 45 lb.

What is the maximum draw length?

32 inches.

How long is the bow?

148 cm.

How much does it weigh?

Approximately 900 g.

What string does it use?

Fast Flight, approximately 135 cm long.

What is included with the bow?

Two pairs of rabbit-fur string silencers are included.

Is the Penobscot suitable for a beginner?

The 30 lb version can be suitable for some beginners, preferably with experienced instruction. Complete beginners may find a lighter conventional traditional bow easier to learn with.

Can I use the same arrows with the 30 lb and 45 lb versions?

Not automatically. Arrow spine, length and weight must match the actual bow strength and the archer's draw length.

Can I use it for 3D archery?

Yes, provided that suitable arrows and approved points are used and the rules of the specific course are followed.

Safety

Never dry-fire the bow.

Do not exceed the maximum 32-inch draw length.

Before shooting, check:

• the main limbs,

• the secondary bow,

• the connections between both structures,

• the string,

• the symmetry of the system,

• and all arrows.

Do not use damaged equipment.

Erenhill Brand

The Penobscot Bow is offered under the Erenhill brand.

Erenhill represents our selection of archery equipment, product presentation, practical archery experience and connection with Erenhill Archery School and Vlčí patroni.

Purchasing products from our shop also supports our wider activities in traditional archery, training, competitions, education and community projects.

Final Summary

The Penobscot Bow Erenhill is a modern Native American-style double bow available in 30, 35, 40 and 45 lb.

Its defining feature is the interaction between a main bow and a smaller secondary bow.

With a total length of 148 cm, maximum draw of 32 inches, Fast Flight string and modern fiberglass and laminated-birch construction, it combines a historically inspired concept with contemporary materials.

It is designed for archers who want something structurally different from a conventional longbow, flatbow or reflex bow.

The Penobscot is not unusual simply because of how it looks. Its real character comes from the way two flexible bow structures work together as one system.