Mongolian Bows, Traditional Horn-Wood-Sinew Composites.

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Made famous by the armies of Genghis Kahn in the 13th and 14th century, the Mongol bow was feared and revered throughout the Mongolian empire. At its height the empire stretched from Eastern Europe to the sea of Japan, an area of roughly 9,300,000 square miles.

These bows are not historical replicas though they are based on the design, composition and construction of traditional Mongolian bows.

 

 

The main distinguishing features of these bows are the reflexed limbs, the fixed syiahs and the use of horn and sinew in the construction. Usually a wood or bamboo core is used to form the base of the bow. Hardwood or bamboo syiahs are then glued on each end and horn strips are glued to the belly of the bow. The back of the bow is covered with several layers of sinew and then a decorative and protective layer of leather.

 

 

Historically the Mongol bow was used predominantly for warfare from horseback, its ease of use, power and reliability making it unequalled on the battlefield. These qualities also make the Mongol bow ideal for modern target or field archery.

 

 

There are many stages in the construction of a Mongol bow, many of which also require extra time for the glue to dry. Traditional natural products are used in the bows construction, including animal glue, however a strong nylon thread is used to bind the leather to the syiahs and handle but a natural thread could be used if required.  The string is made from B50 bow string material.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Making a traditional Mongolian Bow, using Horn, Bamboo, Sinew and Wood.

Photos showing the various stages of construction.

 

 

 

 

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