The strip of wood from which a bow is carved is commonly called a "stave." A bow stave is a piece of wood carefully selected, harvested, and shaped to form the bow. Ideal woods for carving staves include hickory, yew, maple, ash, osage orange, and black locust. These woods are chosen for their combination of strength, elasticity, and toughness, which are crucial properties for a functional bow. The stave is typically seasoned (dried) for a considerable time before carving to prevent cracking and ensure durability. The stave starts as a straight, twist-free strip or branch and is carved down into the final bow shape with particular attention to limb thickness and tapering for proper performance.
