Native Bow for comment and ID

kahnjar1 · 7th April 2013, 05:18 AM

This could not be further from my collecting interests but it it came with some "useful" stuff in a deal so now I need to learn something about it if possible please.
Overall length is 1670mm (approx 65 3/4") and it is made of some sort of hardwood. Each end has rattan binding and there is further binding approx 300mm (12") from each end. I assume that the flat piece of bamboo?? is the string, which has lost one end.
Condition of the bow appears to be excellent, and it does not appear to be a "tourist" piece. The pull though, would need a strong man as the wood is very hard to bend, but is definitely flexible.
Also came with five arrows of different type tips. The bamboo shafts do not have notches to engage the string.
Hope someone out there can tell me a about it please.
Regards Stu

Timo Nieminen · 7th April 2013, 06:50 AM

The bow and the arrows look Papuan. The wrapping at the ends to support the string can be seen on an example in Grayson, Traditional archery from six continents. This isn't a common feature, and might help find more precisely where/when it is from. (None of my Papuan bows have this.)

Unfletched and un-nocked Papuan arrows are common. The strings are wide, and the end of the arrow sits against the flat of the string.

The bows are usually black palm wood.

manteris1 · 7th April 2013, 04:59 PM

hi, new guinea for sure....................jimmy

kahnjar1 · 8th April 2013, 06:07 AM

Thanks Timo and Jimmy. Papua/New Guinea was my feeling though as I have said these are definitely not my field.
Stu

7th April 2013, 05:18 AM	#1
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,786	Native Bow for comment and ID This could not be further from my collecting interests but it it came with some "useful" stuff in a deal so now I need to learn something about it if possible please. Overall length is 1670mm (approx 65 3/4") and it is made of some sort of hardwood. Each end has rattan binding and there is further binding approx 300mm (12") from each end. I assume that the flat piece of bamboo?? is the string, which has lost one end. Condition of the bow appears to be excellent, and it does not appear to be a "tourist" piece. The pull though, would need a strong man as the wood is very hard to bend, but is definitely flexible. Also came with five arrows of different type tips. The bamboo shafts do not have notches to engage the string. Hope someone out there can tell me a about it please. Regards Stu Attached Images

7th April 2013, 06:50 AM	#2
Timo Nieminen Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 422	The bow and the arrows look Papuan. The wrapping at the ends to support the string can be seen on an example in Grayson, Traditional archery from six continents. This isn't a common feature, and might help find more precisely where/when it is from. (None of my Papuan bows have this.) Unfletched and un-nocked Papuan arrows are common. The strings are wide, and the end of the arrow sits against the flat of the string. The bows are usually black palm wood.

7th April 2013, 04:59 PM	#3
manteris1 Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 114	hi, new guinea for sure....................jimmy

8th April 2013, 06:07 AM	#4
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,786	Thanks Timo and Jimmy. Papua/New Guinea was my feeling though as I have said these are definitely not my field. Stu