Composite Bows of the High Middle Ages from Rock Burials in Mongolia

Abstract

The article examines composite bows of Central Asian nomads from the rock burials of Mongolia in the 11^th – 14^th centuries. Descriptions of five bow specimens with preserved kibiti are presented. The collected materials allow us to identify some trends in the evolution of composite bows of the region in question. Among other things, it was found that during the period in question, the inner side of the bow limbs began to be increasingly equipped with horn pads, which worked better than wood in compression. In addition, the horn shoulder pads served as a damping spring, which allowed the bow to more effectively return to its original shape after firing. Certain changes occurred in the design of the kibiti. If the limbs of earlier bows had a predominantly flattened cross-section, now it changes to a more rounded one, in some cases D-shaped. Such bows could be stored in a bow case in a combat position (with a stretched bowstring) for a long time, and were more effectively used when shooting heavy arrows with a wide, massive feather. Bone overlays on the ends of the bow are used less and less in the 13^th – 14^th centuries, and the transition zones become more pronounced. In addition, early versions of bowstring rests appear in the Mongolian era. Certain changes also occur in the design of weapons. For example, Central Asian craftsmen stop pasting birch bark or leather on the inside of the bow kibiti. Thus, during the period under consideration, a special type of composite bow is formed, which, over time, will become dominant in the sadachny sets of the peoples of Mongolia, Manchuria, Sayan-Altai and the Baikal region.