Early Wooden LongBow or Tribal?

templarnight · 5th September 2014, 09:19 PM

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.

David · 5th September 2014, 09:50 PM

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.

spiral · 5th September 2014, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

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.

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

Tim Simmons · 6th September 2014, 08:31 AM

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.

LJ · 6th September 2014, 04:42 PM

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.

colin henshaw · 6th September 2014, 04:45 PM

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

5th September 2014, 09:19 PM	#1
templarnight Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 87	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. Attached Images

5th September 2014, 09:50 PM	#2
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,125	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.

6th September 2014, 08:31 AM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	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.

6th September 2014, 04:42 PM	#5
LJ Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 93	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.

6th September 2014, 04:45 PM	#6
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,430	Nice bow. LJ is quite right, its from Southern Guyana/Northern Brazil. Same sort of wood as used for macana clubs, I think.