Quote:
|
Originally Posted by colin henshaw
Great images, thanks for posting. Not my main area of interest... regarding the short arrows, what are these for... a type of crossbow ?
|
Colin, here is some information on the short Indian arrows from Faganarms, not sure how accurate it is but I have not seen any other references.
Quote:
One of the remaining mysteries of antique weaponry. Just the third time in 50 years that we have offered these. We have six examples from the same group as those which we recently offered (and sold out immediately!). Construction similar to full length arrows with sinew seated separate nocks. Each about 9" length. Both ends of the shaft with polychrome decoration. Nock ends with evidence of short triple fletching, now lacking as always encountered on Indian arrows.Excellent preservation for the period.
See Pant Vol. 1 page 104 and Plate LXXIV. These were short with an arrow guide, by one account called a marja, held in the bow hand. The small size prevented the enemy from shooting them back with conventional bows. As well, they allowed the archer to carry a larger supply.
|