CLA artist Donald Shaver handcrafted this circa 1810 to 1825
hunting pouch and horn set for the 2013 CLA fundraising auction. The pouch is
based on the one seen on page 25 of Madison Grant’s book “The Kentucky Rifle
Hunting Pouch”. He crafted the
traditional deep “D” shaped pouch itself from bark tanned cow hide and like the
original that had a strap made of old time “listing”, Donald used an old woven
strap that he had on hand, made by C.J. Wilde of Wilde Weavery.
Like the pouch, the accompanying powder horn is based on an
original too – one in the museum at Old Fort Harrod State Park, Harrodsburg, KY.
The unique engraved brass base
plug decoration with its hand forged iron strap ring and staple arrangement
closely copy the original, and serve to set this piece off. The horn hangs on a
separate woven cloth strap, and is outfitted with a handmade powder measure.
In Donald’s words, “This hunting pouch set is representative
of many others that once served our American backwoodsmen during the war of
1812 era” and is his way of showing how the often overlooked old time skills
used to make them can be preserved so they don’t just fade away.
Donald Shaver’s interest in American History began during
his youth and he started reenacting about 30 years ago through the Boy Scouts.
His first period of interpretation was the Rocky Mountain fur trade era of the
1830s, then 15 years ago he met quill worker Shawn Webster who introduced him
to the Eastern Woodland Indian culture of the 1700s. As his need for proper
research deepened, so did his library - as he light heartedly comments, “Let’s
just say my passion for collecting books about the Woodland Indian culture has
gotten out of hand.”
After years of study and research, today he portrays the
living history persona of an 18th century Woodland Indian. As a result of his devotion to
correctly interpreting these native people, he is frequently asked to model for
nationally known historical artists.
His interests also include blacksmithing and working with
horn, especially making powder horns.
About his creation of the hunting pouch and horn set he made
and generously donated to the 2013 CLA Fund Raising Auction, Donald has this
say, “I wanted to donate his pouch and horn set to our fundraising auction to
help further the preservation of these skills, and encourage the continued showcasing
of the artists.
You can contact Donald at:
Donald Shaver
360 North Murphy
Pahrump NV. 89060
Phone: 702-465-1638
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