Armor Artifacts
<p>Bob Fletcher, of Bayview, talks about his interest in ancient artifacts and history of various cultures. Fletcher replicated artifacts from Samurai, Egyptian and Native American civilizations as a retirement hobby.</p>
<p>A replica of an ancient Samurai suit of armor, made by Bob Fletcher, is one of many items currently on display at the Post Falls Public Library.</p>
POST FALLS - Bob Fletcher was in need of a retirement hobby.
So the Bayview man referred to a childhood interest and his love for the arts to get one.
The 70-year-old makes replicas of the Japanese Samurai, Egyptian and Native American cultures, including bows and arrows, swords, clothing, armor and headdresses.
"As a youngster, I was into Samurai things," he said. "And I've always been artistically-oriented."
Having the name Fletcher, which means someone who makes arrows, may also have something to do with it, he said.
As a child, Fletcher performed a kid's role in the Broadway love story "Carousel" in 1953.
During his career, Fletcher was a promotion manager for MCA Records and owned a record company and toy store.
He retired early in 1996 due to several disabilities and has been dabbling with artifact replicas ever since.
"I'm chasing my creative artistic background," Fletcher said. "It started as a small thing, but it's blossomed into an out-of-control situation."
Fletcher said his cottage is stuffed with swords, bows and arrows, tools and helmets.
Some are on display at the Post Falls Library through April 15. Others will be shown at the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center in Post Falls for six weeks starting on Monday.
"They're replicated from artifacts out of museums," he said.
He buys the materials for the artifacts online, at flea markets and businesses such as leather distributors.
"If there's anything that I can utilize, I grab it up," he said. "One of my Samurai outfits has more than 300 individual pieces put together."
He estimates he has 75 swords and 300 arrows.
Fletcher, a Coast Guard veteran, said he sees the cultures as "extraordinarily interesting." Armor, weapons and tools used by the different civilizations also resemble each other despite being far apart and during different time periods.
"They seem to overlap from one society to another," he said.
Fletcher also finds some of the traditions strange, but interesting.
"They'd spray on perfume, so if someone cut their head off, they'd smell good and not be so offensive," Fletcher said, referring to Samurai warriors.
Fletcher said his hobby can be tedious, but it keeps him active in retirement.
"I'd go crazy if I didn't have anything to do because I've always had a business on my own," he said.
Ancient artifacts on display
• Bob Fletcher’s replicas of artifacts from Samurai, Egyptian and Native American civilizations are on display at the Post Falls Library, 821 N. Spokane St., through April 15. Artifact replicas will also be on display at the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center, 405 N. William St., Post Falls, starting Monday for six weeks.