Ancient bows from Mongolia from an exhibition in Bonn Pt. 1

Jurgen, good photography. This bow is very similar to the Silk Road Museum Seoul, Mongol bow. It represents the indigenous Mongol type; round and oval siyah cross sections. We even noted the nock glued on pieces in another bow. The bow tip shape is indicative.

The spiral red paint design is probably from painting the crest after winding sinew lashings over the fletch quill. When the lash is no longer present, one has a spiral design.

Do others feel as though the nock pieces are retrofits? Maybe one broke and was repaired so the other was changed out at the same time and with a different species of wood? A little insurance? One sees on the lower tip a "ghost" of the string showing it was a close fit.

This bow for sure was put in the grave strung. When the lower limb twisted it raised the sinew making it easier for rodents to strip off.

The deceased was expected to do battle immediately after his interment and needed his bow, the first line of defense/offense immediately ready. (the next plane of existence was heavily populated by enemies and friends engaged in continuing struggle)

A typical number of arrows also were at hand.

Jack, the wooden siyahs are apparently made from willow which is not the toughest wood. I can imagine that the overlays being a tougher hardwood to prevent splitting in the string groove. If it has been done after or before a failure is difficult to say. What puzzles me is the strange row of holes just beneath the lower end. I have no explanation for that.

JJ; The upper area appears to have been scoured by a rodent. I am seeing the teeth marks of the front incisors, common to rat or mouse gnawings. The Arcat Del coffin was said to contain much rodent excrement.

Below that are transverse gouging. Look at the end and see gnawing similar to what a dog would do. I see the holes as canine indentures, in line with the transverse gouging.

Alternately, where I live woodpeckers make series of holes. Maybe it is coincidental that the holes are in the soft wood.

I see the tips as retro fits because they are not in line with the original curve of the belly side.

2nd visit in Exhibition. No photographing this time.

Some observations: Arrow nocks are the widest of the three finds in the Museum. About 8-9 mm indicate a very thick, heavy string was used. Didn?t think the bow was so strong, but...

Some of the arrows appear to have been made of twigs, not split wood.

JJ