Early Wooden LongBow or Tribal?
 

I have had this sat in my collection for years and have now got around to trying to find out where it originates from.

My question being is it European or is it Tribal?

Its 199cm long and has the most wonderful patina, I factor which made me keep it.

It is also very finely carved and the main point that makes me feel it is not Tribal is the cross section, not something I would have expected on a Tribal Bow.

Any ideas?

I have also posted this in the European section for a range of views.

Not saying this isn't a bow, but i don't see any notching for the string or wear where the string would meet the wood. :shrug:

Many European bows have horn knocks that fit on the bow tips & hold the string.

Not sure if other places do that?

The timber is not European grown though.

spiral

That bow is big and what a beautiful finish. I do not think it is European . It could be African, I had a big polished self bow and could only identify it as African by the string being hide. This bow could be from India to Oceanic. Bows are not always notched. Perhaps the cross section will help point us to where it was made. I will look in my books. Somebody from here will find the answer in time.

Fortunately, I've seen something almost identical to this before. The one I saw was a bow from St Vincent (in the West Indies) with a history that could be traced as far back as the 18th century. The quality of the work, and the finish struck me as remarkable.

I don't know how widespread that C-shaped cross-section was in South America, but my guess would be to think in terms of somewhere north of the Amazon.

Nice bow. LJ is quite right, its from Southern Guyana/Northern Brazil. Same sort of wood as used for macana clubs, I think.