help with patterns for my 'bow

Hi Guys, So, I am at a loss about how to paint my crossbow lath.  It is currently wrapped in birch bark.  I have seen the historia vivens 1300 reproductions and the viking sword thread on gothic crossbows and have noted that most of the extant bows have the remains of printed diaper patterns of dots.  most of the contemporary art works shows bows of plain finish, though this may be artistic shortcuts, except for one that shows a snake-skin pattern.  Are these the only options I have, I am aware ...