Can anybody identify this bow?

Murat ?zveri · Post by **Murat ?zveri** » Sat Jan 28, 2006 2:46 pm

This pic was taken in Kazakistan. I'd appreciate if anybody can identify this bow? Thx.

jack farrell · Post by **jack farrell** » Sat Jan 28, 2006 4:29 pm

Murat; You might consider that this may be a theatrical set. The bow is strung with a nice curve. An authentic historic item would have to be more than 100 years old. It is also lacking syahs. The quiver and bowcase also match the shield. This is the first time I can remember seeing this feature.

I have pics from one of their national museums and the military bows are of Qing Chinese type. Kazakhs have their own type of quiver which look different than this. Those are not very serious looking arrows eighter.

A closeup would be helpful, if possible. This quiver and bowcase are quite like Turkish examples in European museums. -j-

Bede · Post by **Bede** » Sun Jan 29, 2006 3:38 am

Murat,
I think Jack is right. The bow case and quiver could have been made directly from miniature paintings. There was a period when quivers were basically drawn as outlines with simple arabesque patterns (usually saz shapes). The finish of the designs suggest a local maker because the saz pattern has been affected by a local style used in felt carpets.

The lack of ears and the extremely long hand grip suggest the bow is only a prop.

Stephen Selby · Post by **Stephen Selby** » Mon Jan 30, 2006 2:40 am

Agreed: this is a 'fantasy set'. There is a group just over the border in Xinjiang making similar (but not identical) stuff for the tourist trade.