Wooden bow covered in painted leather with a string. Decoration includes plant life as well as a swastika well-being symbol. The bow resembles those used by Manchu banner men and the size makes it quite easily identified as a Manchu bow. Bows have been used in Chinese culture for centuries, used for hunting, conflict and symbolically used in folklore stories to tell stories of good and evil.

“By holding this bow, you can understand why the Manchu and other frontier peoples of northern China were such good archers and proficient warriors. This bow is so light to the touch, yet it cannot be broken. It would have made for very durable and agile fighting tactics.”

Stephen Lam, Project Participant

BELUM.C1206.2 & .3: Arrows

Large (BELUM.C1206.2) and small (BELUM.C1206.3) arrows donated alongside bow. Arrows such as this one were used by Manchu banner men. The arrow is missing the feather used as ‘fly’. Arrows were crafted with remarkable precision and varied designs that reflected both technological innovation and tactical needs.