I have that book.Maenchen-Helfen was a thorough researcher and much of what he wrote is still valid.
The section on war bows is speculation as he admits.
He details the season for his conclusions, but they are based on non-Hunnish depictions on stela in Panticapaeum in the Crimea.The bow of the Huns discussed on the following pages was a war bow, as presumably most bows in burials were; they lay in the graves of warriors. About the hunting bows of the Huns we have no information, but that they were different from the war bow is practically certain.The Huns could not have hunted ducks and foxes with their precious composite bows. War bows and hunting bows were often as different as rifles and shotguns.
Undoubtedly he is right about the value of composite bows but he infers that they had profession bowyers, which has not yet been proved. More likely is the assertion that most adult men could make a bow of sorts and some men were particularly skilled and traded bows to whomever could afford them.
If I wanted a duck dinner, I doubt that I would go home to get a hunting bow if I had my war bow with me.
Dusan,
Regarding the problems that artist had: we all agree that they were doing their best. It is our job to discover the information in the art.
Subedei's weight has generated some very funny stories. There is a historical novel written by Cecilia Holland called Until the Sun Falls about Subedei's campaign in the West. It has some echoes of Gogol's Taras Bulba, but it is a subtle look at the Mongols and their attitudes to the West. It is not completely historical, but an interesting book to read for pleasure.
) I understand all diferences. Bow in Kulikovo field museum looks like sinewed/understable if you see his no more than 130cm L/, but this dont changed his interesting disain.Somwhere back in this thread, if i dont mistake i post contact in Kulikovo Pole/field/ museum. You can try asked more ...