Archery has ancient origins. Archery bows can be made from a variety of woods without modern tools and innovations. Some woods can be made into bows very easily, while others require certain steps for them to become usable bows. Bows can be made from a single piece of wood, or they can be compounded out of multiple woods, or even wood and other materials.
Origins of Archery
The earliest use of archery that can be clearly dated is found in neolithic sites in Switzerland dating to approximately 9000 B.C. There are finds suggestive of archery far earlier, perhaps as old as 40,000 B.C., but these are far from definitive. These were self bows, or bows made from a single piece of wood. By the bronze age, or around 3000 B.C., the use of composite bows made of several pieces of wood in layers had spread worldwide.
Self Bows And Composite Bows
Self bows are constructed from a single, shaped piece of wood. Their draw strength, and thus their range and accuracy, are limited by the kind of wood and techniques used to manufacture. Composite bows are made from two or more disparate pieces of wood, or wood and other materials such as horn. The different layers of a composite bow are laminated together. They are stronger and more accurate than self bows, but the process for their creation is more time-consuming and requires more materials.
Woods for Self Bows
A self bow is best made from a plank that was sewn along the grain of the tree. Hickory is often used for children's and beginner's bows. The wood is crafted into two limbs, the upper and lower, a grip in the center and ears at the ends that serve as bowstring attachment points. A self bow can be backed with sinew or rawhide to prevent the wood from fraying. Heavier woods such as maple can be tillered, or shaven at specific points to insure it bends correctly.
Woods for Composite Bows
Composite bows can be manufactured from the same woods as self bows. The main difference is that the wood core is enhanced by laminated strips of a different wood, one that is more resistant to bending. The laminating material can also be bone or antler. The core wood provides the bow with pliancy, while the laminate materials add strength. The various materials are back with sinew, as with a self bow. The entire composite bow is then heat treated to align it into the proper shape.
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