Bolos for Lenape Boys

Bolos for Lenape Boys craft

Imagine you are a Lenape boy learning how to hunt wild turkey. What would you use? A bolo you made yourself, of course!

  • 1.

    Native American boys needed a keen eye and a steady hand to hunt food for their families. Learning to throw a bolo (two stones tied together) was how Lenape boys who lived along the Delaware River practiced these skills. What an accomplishment it was to twirl your bolo overhead, let it sail, and wrap around a bird’s legs! Imagine the thrill of capturing your first wild turkey! With your friends, make bolos similar to the ones that Lenape boys used.

  • 2.

    Using white Crayola Model Magic® compound, form two oval "stones" about as long as your pinkie finger. With the side of a craft stick or your finger, make a groove down the center of each stone. This is where you will tie your string. Air-dry your stones for 24 hours.

  • 3.

    Color your stones with Crayola Washable Multicultural Markers. Air-dry the color.

  • 4.

    Cut one string about twice as long as your arm. Securely tie each end to one of your stones. Ask for help if you need it.

  • 5.

    Are you ready for the hunt? Why not sculpt a wild turkey to display with your bolo?