Step One:

Hickory wood is piled outside of the

barn. This is the raw material of

the lacrosse sticks.

Step Two:

The wood is cut into the proper length and

width using a power saw.

Step Three:

The cut lengths of wood are placed in

a steamer to soften them in

preparation for the next step.

Step Four :

The steamed wood is placed on a bending

machine where the craftsmen bend

the pieces into the proper shape for the kind

of stick they are creating.

Step Five:

The bent stick is braced with metal bands

and pieces of wood so that it keeps its

shape while it dries.

Step Six:

Bent sticks are allowed to dry before the

process continues.

Step Seven:

The rough edges are trimmed from the

stick.

Step Eight:

The stick is inspected for size, shape, and

smooth edges..

Step Nine:

The first sanding is done on a large

sanding machine.

Step Ten:

The sanding process continues on a

finer sanding machine.

Step Eleven:

Holes are drilled in the head of the stick to

allow for the weaving to be attached to form

the pocket. Experienced craftsmen need

not measure the locations of the holes

because they are able to determine spacing

very accurately by look and feel alone.

Step Twelve:

The stick is sanded once again after the

drilling to assure a smooth surface.

Step Thirteen:

The Patterson brand is put on the stick to

identify it. The stick on the left has been

brushed with linseed oil, a step that occurs

after the branding is done.

Step Fourteen:

The weaving, which has been done by many

craftspeople of the Tuscarora Nation, is attached

to the finished sticks. Then they are prepared for

shipment all over the world.