Traditional Bow of the Selenga Buryats (Based on a 2019 Field Study)

Traditional Bow of the Selenga Buryats
(Based on a 2019 Field Study)

doi:10.17746/1563-0110.2024.52.1.145-153

R.M. Kharitonov
Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pr. Akademika Lavrentieva 17, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia

Three Buryat bows, studied at Tashir village, in the Selenginsky District, Republic of Buryatia, in 2019, are described. They are relatively well preserved, and one is still functioning. A detailed description of their design is given. The specimens are similar in terms of morphology and technology (specifically, an outline without strings), design of transition zones, section of elastic part, and the shape and position of horn overlays. The tension force of the bows is evaluated, and conclusions are made about the impact of force and practical use. Comments made by a Buryat archer (the bow’s owner) are cited about specific use under various weather conditions. The information is compared with that gained from ethnographic sources, and archival illustrations made in late 1800s and early 1900s are given.

Keywords: Traditional bow, Selenga Buryats, weapons, Trans-Baikal, 19th-20th centuries, hunting