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

colin henshaw · 29th December 2008, 05:43 PM

Hi David

Interesting...with the hide wrappings round the bow, and the iron ring I would go for West Africa; Northern Nigeria or maybe Northern Cameroon. I've seen similar iron rings on spear shafts from that area. Perhaps Hausa, Fulani or Nupe ?

Regards

stekemest · 29th December 2008, 05:51 PM

I don't think it's a bushman's bow. Those I know are quite different in style; I also have one.
Peter

katana · 8th January 2009, 07:19 PM

Thank you (sorry its a little late

) Colin and Peter for your comments

.

Would anyone have any good internet links to sites on African bows / archery ?

Regards David

Luc LEFEBVRE · 8th January 2009, 07:32 PM

Buy this book David, it's the only one I know about african bows & arrows:
http://www.bogenecke.de/Medien/Buche...e-Afrikas.html
A lot of color pictures but it's in german.
Luc

fearn · 8th January 2009, 09:40 PM

The traditional Bowyer's Bible covers some African archery, particularly in vols 2 and 3. You can get it from Amazon.

Best,

F

katana · 15th January 2009, 08:48 PM

Thank you Luc and Fearn

for your suggestions ...I will take a look.

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.

29th December 2008, 05:43 PM	#2
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,430	Hi David Interesting...with the hide wrappings round the bow, and the iron ring I would go for West Africa; Northern Nigeria or maybe Northern Cameroon. I've seen similar iron rings on spear shafts from that area. Perhaps Hausa, Fulani or Nupe ? Regards

29th December 2008, 05:51 PM	#3
stekemest Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Heidelberg, Germany Posts: 182	I don't think it's a bushman's bow. Those I know are quite different in style; I also have one. Peter

8th January 2009, 07:19 PM	#4
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	Thank you (sorry its a little late ) Colin and Peter for your comments . Would anyone have any good internet links to sites on African bows / archery ? Regards David

8th January 2009, 07:32 PM	#5
Luc LEFEBVRE Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: France Posts: 472	Buy this book David, it's the only one I know about african bows & arrows: http://www.bogenecke.de/Medien/Buche...e-Afrikas.html A lot of color pictures but it's in german. Luc

8th January 2009, 09:40 PM	#6
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	The traditional Bowyer's Bible covers some African archery, particularly in vols 2 and 3. You can get it from Amazon. Best, F

15th January 2009, 08:48 PM	#7
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	Thank you Luc and Fearn for your suggestions ...I will take a look. Regards David