Tibetan Archery
Dear fellows,
here is a series of three lengthy videos showing an archery competition/ritual in the Autonomous Prefecture of Tibet in 2001/03.
It's interesting to see the thumb-draw shooting off the shelf with a modern cut-out t/d recurve bow.
Maybe some member can tell us a little bit more about what's happening here?
http://www.archive.org/details/TibetanA ... lageWinter
http://www.archive.org/details/TibetanArcheryParty
http://www.archive.org/details/TibetanA ... iewContest
Enjoy!
here is a series of three lengthy videos showing an archery competition/ritual in the Autonomous Prefecture of Tibet in 2001/03.
It's interesting to see the thumb-draw shooting off the shelf with a modern cut-out t/d recurve bow.
Maybe some member can tell us a little bit more about what's happening here?
http://www.archive.org/details/TibetanA ... lageWinter
http://www.archive.org/details/TibetanArcheryParty
http://www.archive.org/details/TibetanA ... iewContest
Enjoy!
Yes, I know these festival well and I've taken part in many competitions, mainly in Minhe and Tongren Counties, Qinghai.
The Tibetans of Qinghai are the most active traditional archers in China. Under their influence, groups of Muslim and Han Chinese villagers also take part in village archery competitions.
Usually to villagers compete against each-other in one home and one away match. All shooting is restricted to men and in Tibetan and Muslim culture, women may not touch bows. The targets are large (about 3 meters square) and placed at a distance of 100 to 120 meters.
The archery itself is only one aspect of the event. Before each shot, contestants encourage their own team with whistles and a low humming sound. If the shot hits, they all run out in front of the shooting line in a dance party led by the man who's shot hit the target. Most contestants are quite drunk.
Standard scores are kept (one point for each hit on the target). A brave target judge stands right next to the target during the shooting to certify the hit or miss. As it's impossible to see the arrow from the shooting line, the shooter learns of his result (hit, high, low,wide) by the target judge's signals.
Unfortunately, the fashion of placing the target too far away has meant that traditional horn bows and arrows cannot compete effectively. Many old horn bows have been sold to tourists. In the area where we have a little influence, Xu Kaicai and I have insisted that each competition include a traditional bow shoot with a target set at no further than 80 meters. Modern bows are excluded.
Overseas visitors are welcome at these events and are invited to take part in the shooting. Female visitors can shoot but would not be allowed to join a village team. This is real Tibetan culture and a good way in to finding out about Tibetan traditions. For example, women are avid spectators at the sport and families use the outcome to decide on good marriage prospects for unmarried daughters.
The Tibetans of Qinghai are the most active traditional archers in China. Under their influence, groups of Muslim and Han Chinese villagers also take part in village archery competitions.
Usually to villagers compete against each-other in one home and one away match. All shooting is restricted to men and in Tibetan and Muslim culture, women may not touch bows. The targets are large (about 3 meters square) and placed at a distance of 100 to 120 meters.
The archery itself is only one aspect of the event. Before each shot, contestants encourage their own team with whistles and a low humming sound. If the shot hits, they all run out in front of the shooting line in a dance party led by the man who's shot hit the target. Most contestants are quite drunk.
Standard scores are kept (one point for each hit on the target). A brave target judge stands right next to the target during the shooting to certify the hit or miss. As it's impossible to see the arrow from the shooting line, the shooter learns of his result (hit, high, low,wide) by the target judge's signals.
Unfortunately, the fashion of placing the target too far away has meant that traditional horn bows and arrows cannot compete effectively. Many old horn bows have been sold to tourists. In the area where we have a little influence, Xu Kaicai and I have insisted that each competition include a traditional bow shoot with a target set at no further than 80 meters. Modern bows are excluded.
Overseas visitors are welcome at these events and are invited to take part in the shooting. Female visitors can shoot but would not be allowed to join a village team. This is real Tibetan culture and a good way in to finding out about Tibetan traditions. For example, women are avid spectators at the sport and families use the outcome to decide on good marriage prospects for unmarried daughters.