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When we take a closer look at the Mongolian bow, we see that it is an intriguing construction indeed. The backbone of the bow is a wooden frame, which will typically be birch, because that wood is resilient and is also readily available. The total length of the frame is
150-160cm. When the bow is unstrung, it looks like a semi-circle with a beautifully curvaceous shape, but when a string is attached the whole thing is stretched out so that its limbs are bent inward. Even so, these limbs with string attachments are bent slightly away from the archer, forming a double curve.
The exact arrangement of bone, wood and sinew elements varied from region to region. The bone elements are a minor part of the construction and have been ornaments or talismans.
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It is this double curve that delivers explosive acceleration and awesome velocity to the arrow. From these limbs or bends of the bow benign the string attachments where the impact is greatest, the frame is covered with elongated and flattened pieces of mountain sheep's (or other wild or domesticated ungulate's) horn or/and bone which adds snapping power to the resilient wood in the frame. These hard parts form a layer that covers the whole area of the so-called belly, which is the part between the grip and the limbs. In addition to this, there is a layer of specially prepared birch bark whose purpose is to protect against penetration of moisture.
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In addition to this, there is a layer of sinew, which is taken from deer, moose or other game animals. The tendons of domestic animals may also be used, but Mongols feel that tendons from wild animals like deer, moose and mountain sheep are the strongest and best. Naturally, the bow has to be glued together. The preferred and traditional substance used for the impregnation of both leather as well as their bows is fish glue. As a matter of fact, fish glue has been proven through millennia to be highly capable of resisting moisture. Moreover, it is durable and lasts longer than modern epoxy resins, which are prone to molecular fatigue. |
The usual procedure employed in the production of a traditional Mongolian bow is as follows:
1. Main frame - birch or bamboo tree
2. Front layer - horn/ bone
3. Back layer - tendon
4. String - Synthetic string
Main frame usually is made of light and strong wood like birch or bamboo tree |
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The bow strings are made from animal hide. The fat is removed and the hide is stretched out and twisted. As a result of this it will not stretch any further, but remain taut.
Intestines of animals as string material could also be used but such strings are not water resistant and thus only suited for use in dry and hot weather. Silk and cotton, and mixes of these
have also been used.
To string the bow, the archer could sit, and using both feet to press against the bow bend the limbs to attach the string.
The Mongol archer routinely stringed the bow by placing one end of the bow between the foot and the stirrup while the arms pressed against the bow.
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Arrows are typically constructed of birch wood. The normal length of an arrow is between 80 and 100 cm, and the shaft's diameter is around 10 mm.
1. Main shaft - birch tree
2. Fletching - Feather
3. Arrow tail - horn/ bamboo
4. Arrow head - Elk horn
- Main shaft of arrow is made of light and strong wood
- Fletching is made of vulture feather
- Arrow tail is made of horn/ bamboo tree
- Arrow head is made of elk horn
- Dimensions of the arrow are 90-100cm in length, 10mm in diameter and weights 40-45g for women 40-75g for men.
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There suppose to be 30 bottle type targets Which are made by Camel skin set on the ground to shoot. After lined up those targets there suppose to be a line 2.5m on the ground, if arrows go above of it and shoot the targets that considered it work.
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The technique used for shooting is known as the "Mongolian release." The Mongols, if right-handed, keep their bow in the left hand, pushing it forward as the right arm pulled the string all the way back to behind the ear. With the left arm fully extended, they prepare to release. However, because of the power and draw force required of the bow, a special technique to hold the string is used. During the drawing of the bow and before the arrow is released the string is held by the thumb, since this is the strongest finger and the thumb is supported by the index finger curling around atop the outermost joint, at the base of the nail. The other fingers are also curled, forming a fist. The Mongols used a special ring to which the string is hooked before release. This thumb ring, a cylinder that fits around the outer part of the thumb and protects its pad from damage as the string is released, is typically made from agate, but leather, metal and bone are also known to have been used. |
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