Not until the advent of breach-loading firearms in the 1800’s was the Mongolian bow decisively surpassed as a long-range shooting tool.
Some historical sources
One piece of equipment that was of great significance in war as well as in the daily life of the Mongols was their composite bow. Mongolian horse bows are designed to be fired from the back of a horse.
- Giovanni da Pian del Carpine: Each Mongol horseman carried multiple bows, or at least one good one, with three large quivers filled with arrows.
- Marco Polo: their arms are bows and arrows, sword and mace; but above all the bow, for they are capital archers, indeed the best that are known.
- Genghis stone inscription: In 1225, Yesüngge took part in a warriors’ competition, hitting the target from a distance of 335 ald (about 530 m).
- Poland legend: Mongol troops led by General Subutai approached Kraków. A sentry on a tower of St Mary’s Church sounded the alarm by playing the Hejnał, and the city gates were closed before the Mongols could ambush the city. The trumpeter, however, was shot in the throat and did not complete the anthem, and this is the legendary reason as to why performances end abruptly before completion.
What happened with Mongolian bow?
What is Mongolian Bow?
Bow
The Asian composite bow heritage includes both ancient and current Mongol bows. Bamboo is used for the core, with horn on the belly (facing the archer) and sinew on the back, all of which are bonded together with animal glue. Composite bows may be damaged by rain or excessive humidity since animal glue dissolves in water; a wrapping of (waterproof) birch bark may provide modest protection from moisture and mechanical harm. When not in use, the bow is generally kept in a leather case for safety.
Arrow
A common material for arrows is birch. An arrow’s typical length is between 80 and 100 cm (30 and 40 inches), with a 1 cm diameter shaft (0.5 inches). Crane tail feathers are preferred for fletchings, although any bird’s tail feathers can be used. Arrowheads can range in size from large metal blades used for hunting great wildlife (or in conflict) to bone and wooden points used for hunting small animals and birds.
About the use of bows and arrows by modern Mongolians & how do Mongolians make bows and arrows? Watch the video below. (28 minute)
Want to buy Mongolian bow?
There are currently two types of bows made in Mongolia. But both types of bows are made by hand. So you have two choices. Please check below:
Choice 1. Sinew backed horn bow
If you are talking about making a historically accurate bow out of wood, sinew, horn and hide glue, you are in for quite the task. You may have seen in the video above how to make this bow.
- It takes a whole year to make the bow
- Very few artisans make this bow
- You need a strict regime of storage and usage
- It is not cheap because it is made by hand
- There are almost no bows available for sale and you have to order and wait
About the price it ranges between 300 – 500 USD each. If you tell us what you want, we can make a more specific offer to you.
Choice 2. Training bow
This type of bow is a bow made of modern bow material instead of horns & sinew etc. The shape and size are made exactly according to the Mongolian bow standard.
- Instead of horns use modern materials of bows
- Sinew do not used at all
- The shape and appearance are exactly the same as the sinew back Mongolian bow
- The bows are available in workshops and can be purchased directly
About the price it ranges between 150 – 250 USD each. If you tell us what you want, we can make a more specific offer to you.
About Us
We implement projects and programs to promote Mongolian traditional products and sell them on the world market. The main goal of this program is to promote Mongolian culture and protect it in the world.
Want to buy Mongolian bow? Please contact us.
4 comments
Dear Sirs,
I would like to order a Mongolian sinew backed horn bow, 5 arrows with metal tip and 5 training arrows with thick tip.
Here I send you my preferences. Ist it possible, to ask the builder about the options?
The bow and the arrows should match in length, weight and colours.
I´d prefer a lower poundage, ca. 50 lbs.
Do the colours depend on the phantasy oft the builder or do they have a traditional reason?
Could the builder add some traditional decoration or mantra?
My best regards
Stephan Martin
Koenigstraße 38
D-53639 Koenigswinter
Dear Stephan Martin,
We replied to your email. Please check your email.
Best regards,
Sales team
Hi . When ordering a sinew bow will it come with the bow makers certificate of authentication ? What special care do I need to do for this type of bow , I live in the UK so weather can be damp/wet but hot in summer. I would probably use this bow at least 2xtimes a week for practice and once a month for completion all year round. Many thanks. Samuel.
Dear Samuel Williams,
Thank you for your comment.
Yes. You will receive a certificate from the bow maker. You will also receive detailed instructions on how to store and protect your bow.
Best regards,
Sales team