Recently I’ve taken a real interest in Native American culture, arts & crafts. I really love the look of the “war shirts” of various tribes. War shirts were considered as powerful and sacred garments worn by brave warriors. I did some research and found photos of excellent examples of these shirts. Buckskin fringes, beading, different colored leathers, and stones are used in these war shirts. “Scalp locks” are an interesting part of the war shirts that were originally hair from enemies or hunted animals.

I decided to create my own version of the war shirt on an acoustic guitar. It took several weeks to create my Pow Wow guitar. I covered the body with leather and added some beaded rosettes, fringes, scalp locks (horse hair) and other elements. Here’s my Pow Wow Guitar, or maybe I should call it my War Shirt Guitar.

Chuck Jonkey Pow Wow Guitar

Pow Wow Guitar body details