Abstract
This paper considers sinew-reinforced and composite bows from the perspective of several different sources including the archaeological record, historic documents, ethnographic observations, and experimental reconstructions by the authors. After describing bow technology in general, the discussion focuses on Asian composite bows from both archaeological and historic contexts. Special reference is made to the manufacture of composite bows in modern Mongolia, one of the few areas continuing to manufacture these weapons using traditional methods. Finally, this information is synthesized into observations about the technology, manufacture, and use of sinew-reinforced and composite bows within a variety of Old and New World cultures.
“An elegant weapon for a more civilized age.” Obi-Wan Kenobi
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Bergman, C.A., McEwen, E. (1997). Sinew-Reinforced and Composite Bows. In: Knecht, H. (eds) Projectile Technology. Interdisciplinary Contributions to Archaeology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-1851-2_6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-1851-2_6
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