African bow ....information please

katana · 29th December 2008, 04:18 PM

Hi,
I wondered whether anyone had any ideas as to the origins and possible age of this African bow. 41" (approx 1004 cms) OAL animal skin handle covering, edged with raw hide, with leather (stitched covering) on the 'limbs of the bow. Forged iron ring fitted one end to prevent the 'string' from sliding up. The string seems to be twisted sinew ( the ends are frayed into individual fibres. The bows cross section is a 'D' shaped.

Has had plenty of use ( definate wear to the 'fur' handle consistent with the hand 'wear' when the bow is 'drawn') and seems to have age ....the leather covering has shrunk and the underlying wood has good patina.

Seller suggested Zulu due to the fact that this was one of several items in an auction 'lot' which included knobkerries etc and was previously owned by a collector.

I think more likely a Bushmans bow .....but really have no idea. Can anyone help ? All comments gratefully received, thank you.

Happy New Year to All,

Regards David

29th December 2008, 04:18 PM	#1
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	African bow ....information please Hi, I wondered whether anyone had any ideas as to the origins and possible age of this African bow. 41" (approx 1004 cms) OAL animal skin handle covering, edged with raw hide, with leather (stitched covering) on the 'limbs of the bow. Forged iron ring fitted one end to prevent the 'string' from sliding up. The string seems to be twisted sinew ( the ends are frayed into individual fibres. The bows cross section is a 'D' shaped. Has had plenty of use ( definate wear to the 'fur' handle consistent with the hand 'wear' when the bow is 'drawn') and seems to have age ....the leather covering has shrunk and the underlying wood has good patina. Seller suggested Zulu due to the fact that this was one of several items in an auction 'lot' which included knobkerries etc and was previously owned by a collector. I think more likely a Bushmans bow .....but really have no idea. Can anyone help ? All comments gratefully received, thank you. Happy New Year to All, Regards David Attached Images Last edited by katana; 29th December 2008 at 06:26 PM.