nscArchaeology, Ethnology & Anthropology of EurasiaАрхеология, этнография и антропология Евразии1563-0110IAET SB RAS10.17746/1563-0110.2024.52.1.145-153nsc-1846Research ArticleETHNOLOGYTraditional Bow of the Selenga Buryats (Based on a 2019 Field Study)KharitonovR. M.

Pr. Akademika Lavrentieva 17, Novosibirsk, 630090

Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of SciencesRussian Federation202404042024521145153Copyright © Kharitonov R.M., 20242024Kharitonov R.M.Kharitonov R.M.Данная работа распространяется под лицензией Creative Commons Attribution 4.0.This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.https://journal.archaeology.nsc.ru/jour/article/view/1846

Three Buryat bows, studied at Tashir village, in the Selenginsky District, Republic of Buryatia, in 2019, are described. They are relatively well preserved, and one is still functioning. A detailed description of their design is given. The specimens are similar in terms of morphology and technology (specifically, an outline without strings), design of transition zones, section of elastic part, and the shape and position of horn overlays. The tension force of the bows is evaluated, and conclusions are made about the impact of force and practical use. Comments made by a Buryat archer (the bow’s owner) are cited about specific use under various weather conditions. The information is compared with that gained from ethnographic sources, and archival illustrations made in late 1800s and early 1900s are given.

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The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest present.