Another Montagnard crossbow, different form

wildwolberine · 10th June 2023, 08:37 PM

Making an effort to post some Southeast Asian crossbows from my collection for comment/reference. I’ve been collecting these for 20+ years, and I’ve noticed there’s been very little written about them. At best there are scattered references in ethnographic works and reviews of tribal archery (Grayson, “Traditional Archery from Six Continents”, Wiethase, “Arrows of the World”). I do not have any with ivory inserts like the examples posted on the forum in the past.

This is a complete, tribally used “Montagnard” crossbow from Vietnam or vicinity. I do not have provenance but likely Vietnam War era.

Distinctive stock with wide proximal end. Bone T-shaped trigger. Nicely made bow, plant fiber string, possibly nettle or hemp?

102 cm x 55 cm. Bow about 4 cm x 2.5 cm at middle. Flattened “D” cross section in middle, nearly round at nocks.

Wondering if anyone can narrow down the region and maybe the wood used?

Also on the lookout for any good references on SEA archery and ethnographic crossbows!

10th June 2023, 08:37 PM	#1
wildwolberine Member Join Date: May 2023 Location: San Antonio Posts: 108	Another Montagnard crossbow, different form Making an effort to post some Southeast Asian crossbows from my collection for comment/reference. I’ve been collecting these for 20+ years, and I’ve noticed there’s been very little written about them. At best there are scattered references in ethnographic works and reviews of tribal archery (Grayson, “Traditional Archery from Six Continents”, Wiethase, “Arrows of the World”). I do not have any with ivory inserts like the examples posted on the forum in the past. This is a complete, tribally used “Montagnard” crossbow from Vietnam or vicinity. I do not have provenance but likely Vietnam War era. Distinctive stock with wide proximal end. Bone T-shaped trigger. Nicely made bow, plant fiber string, possibly nettle or hemp? 102 cm x 55 cm. Bow about 4 cm x 2.5 cm at middle. Flattened “D” cross section in middle, nearly round at nocks. Wondering if anyone can narrow down the region and maybe the wood used? Also on the lookout for any good references on SEA archery and ethnographic crossbows! Attached Images