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FReeper Canteen ~ Part VI of The Mongols ~ December 14, 2004
www.coldsiberia.org ^ | December 14, 2004 | LaDivaLoca

Posted on 12/13/2004 7:53:07 PM PST by LaDivaLoca

 
 

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ANCIENT WARFARE





Part VI of The Mongols

cont'd Mongolian Bow: Fish Glue and Sinew

As we understand, a composite bow by definition has several layers. We have mentioned the birch frame, and the layer of horn/bone. In addition to this, there is a layer of specially prepared birch bark whose purpose is to protect against penetration of moisture. In addition to this is a layer of sinew, which is taken from deer, moose or other game animals. The tendons of domestic animals may also be used, but Mongols feel that tendons from wild animals like deer, moose and mountain sheep are the strongest and best. Naturally, the bow has to be glued together. The preferred and traditional substance used for the impregnation of both leather as well as their bows is fish glue. As a matter of fact, fish glue has been proven through millennia to be highly capable of resisting moisture. Moreover, it is durable and lasts longer than modern epoxy resins, which are prone to molecular fatigue. Above all, fish glue is available in all the waters of Siberia where fish is living, among them the greatest of them all, Lake Bajkal.

How is fish glue made? The process that yields the highest quality is to take swim bladders from freshwater fish, soak them into hot water to extract the protein substance, and then boil the resultant soup for a prolonged period. If sufficient quantities of swim bladders cannot be obtained, it is also possible to make hide glue by boiling animal skins. This latter method however results in a glue of inferior quality, because it absorbs moisture, whereas glue made from ichthyic air bladders is highly moisture-resistant.

Although all materials needed to build the Mongolian bow are to be found in the immediate natural environment, the whole production process is very complex. It takes a long time to build a bow that is to meet the Old Mongol requirements. We may also assume that the selection of the best wood material for the frame requires knowledge and experience.

The usual procedure in the production of a traditional Mongolian bow is as follows: The wooden frame is cured, and the horns and/or bone to be used are boiled for softness. This makes it possible to fit the different parts together with great precision. As we understand, high-quality Mongolian bowmaking is certainly a most impressive craftsmanship. When the wooden frame, and the horns/bone parts are ready, the sinewing can take place. First the tendons have to be dried. After that, they are crushed until they form a mass of loose fibers. Next, this mass is mixed with fish glue to form a solid but not rigid layer. It is important to apply the correct thickness and amount of sinew, and it is done in a two-stage process with some days in between. Too little makes the bow weaker, too much would make it stiff. When completed the layer of sinew could be as thick as a human finger before drying. Sinew has a peculiar quality: Unlike other materials, its strength increases when subject to stretching or impact. This form of elasticity is a property stemming from the molecular structure of the protein of tendons (collagen), and can be seen as another striking demonstration of the innate superiority of natural solutions and materials. When used in a Mongolian composite bow, the effect is that as the horn plates in the front snap back to their former shape, the sinew layer in front contracts in the same split-second, adding further acceleration to the shot.

At each stage, fish glue has been applied to secure all the parts. In the horns and wooden parts, the sides that are to be glued against each other are first grafted with a toothed special tool in order to give the strongest possible hold.

The last step is usually the applying of the protective birch bark layers, which are also boiled until soft, so ensuring a proper fit before glued to the finished bow. When the layer of birch bark has been added to the composite construction, the whole bow is wrapped tightly in ropes and placed in a form where it is allowed to dry and harden in room temperature for one year or more. This ensures that the bow becomes extremely strong and that it keeps its shape and snappiness even after many years of frequent shooting.

A Mongolian bow is stored in its own leather case, protecting the bow when not in use.

The String

No bow, no matter how powerful, can be shot without a string. Traditional Mongol bowstrings are made from animal hide. First every trace of fat is removed. Thereafter the hide is stretched and twisted. After this treatment it will not stretch, but remain taut. Although the skin of many fur-bearing animals can be used, horse skin is often preferred since it is said that this material maintains suppleness in the exceedingly low winter temperatures of Siberia and Inner Asia. It is also possible to use the intestines of animals as string material, but such strings are not water resistant and thus only suited for use in dry and hot weather.

Silk and cotton, and mixes of these, can also be used. Modern archers generally use dacron and other man-made materials that require high technology to produce and therefore cannot possibly be made by the archer himself. Here we see another example that the use of primitive materials, although demanding in terms of individual skills and work, is the more reliable and sustainable strategy when viewed in a wider perspective.

When the bow is strung, the archer may sit down, using both feet to press against the bow as the limbs were bent while the string was attached. Using another technique, he or she could also stand upright, bow bent under one leg while the other leg holds the outer end. On horseback, the Mongol archer routinely stringed the bow by placing one end of the bow between the foot and the stirrup while the arms pressed against the bow.

Source: http://www.coldsiberia.org/monbow.htm

Next Tuesday Part VII of The Mongols




TOPICS: Front Page News; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events; Political Humor/Cartoons
KEYWORDS: ancientwarfare; mongols
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To: bentfeather

I wasn't sure who was on the board so I sent out a general call. Sorry, Ms. feather.


681 posted on 12/14/2004 7:45:12 PM PST by reaganaut (Red state girl in a Blue state world (Socialist Republic of California))
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To: laurenmarlowe; bentfeather
L0L! I used to do a college radio show as a guest.

I got the bug.. I have prolly a ton of vinyl here! L0L

I have to rid myself of it some day..gosh I hate to toss any of it though. Id like to transcribe it all to digital and be able to host and post it.

How Can I toss stuff like this? Giant Gypsy Blues Band this stuff has to be preserved

682 posted on 12/14/2004 7:45:20 PM PST by mylife (The roar of the masses could be farts)
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To: reaganaut

Silent Night was best. Thanks.


683 posted on 12/14/2004 7:46:29 PM PST by Lady Jag
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To: beachn4fun

LOL
Thanks dear FRiend!


684 posted on 12/14/2004 7:46:35 PM PST by MeekMom (When are the Hollyweirds moving to Canada/France?)
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To: Kathy in Alaska
IE went down-- boom boom?? How's come Ma?? My gosh Ma we need you here!! Heavens to Betsy!!
685 posted on 12/14/2004 7:47:18 PM PST by Soaring Feather (The Spirit of Love Shines from Your Soul to Mine--Dragonfly)
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To: reaganaut

LOL it's fine reagan I am not complaining. :-)


686 posted on 12/14/2004 7:48:46 PM PST by Soaring Feather (The Spirit of Love Shines from Your Soul to Mine--Dragonfly)
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To: Lady Jag

That is my favorite of that list of songs. Not the best Hard Rock version, but not all that terrible either.


687 posted on 12/14/2004 7:48:53 PM PST by reaganaut (Red state girl in a Blue state world (Socialist Republic of California))
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To: mylife

Oh,you online romancer!!!!


LOL You know I love this song.


688 posted on 12/14/2004 7:50:32 PM PST by Soaring Feather (The Spirit of Love Shines from Your Soul to Mine--Dragonfly)
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To: Lady Jag; All
Hi, LJ! And G'night...

Maybe tomkow or someone will come along and offer this poor caroler some hot chocolate...

689 posted on 12/14/2004 7:51:04 PM PST by GummyIII (Plan to be spontaneous tomorrow.)
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To: bentfeather

I love it too..

It fills my heart and tempers it


690 posted on 12/14/2004 7:51:47 PM PST by mylife (The roar of the masses could be farts)
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To: reaganaut

He's a little rough on the other tracks. I love heavy metal and agree Silent Night is a little soft. I wish he wouldn't the screaming and overdrive stuff because his arrangements are excellent. Good guitar, too.


691 posted on 12/14/2004 7:52:08 PM PST by Lady Jag
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To: Lady Jag

I'll have to dig out some of my other metal christmas songs and post. I like the guitar on them as well.


692 posted on 12/14/2004 7:53:56 PM PST by reaganaut (Red state girl in a Blue state world (Socialist Republic of California))
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To: Kathy in Alaska

Tractors! Katarina, You are going to make me do something...I ain't sure just what yet. I'll let ya know beforehand.

Santa Clause is coming! I tell ya what! What? lol

Any more snow this evening? Dry as a bone here. ~sigh~


693 posted on 12/14/2004 7:54:34 PM PST by uncleshag (Send the Light - Merry Christmas!)
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To: Kathy in Alaska

Yippee!!! :o)


694 posted on 12/14/2004 8:03:02 PM PST by StarCMC (It's God's job to forgive Bin Laden; it's our job to arrange the meeting.)
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To: Kathy in Alaska

My Tractor - 1949 Ford 8N

695 posted on 12/14/2004 8:05:17 PM PST by uncleshag (Send the Light - Merry Christmas!)
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To: uncleshag

Ground Control to Major Tom!


696 posted on 12/14/2004 8:10:53 PM PST by uncleshag (Send the Light - Merry Christmas!)
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To: uncleshag

Major Tom, Come in GC!


697 posted on 12/14/2004 8:11:31 PM PST by uncleshag (Send the Light - Merry Christmas!)
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To: mylife

MINE!!!


698 posted on 12/14/2004 8:12:23 PM PST by Soaring Feather (The Spirit of Love Shines from Your Soul to Mine--Dragonfly)
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To: mylife

MINE!!!


699 posted on 12/14/2004 8:12:24 PM PST by Soaring Feather (The Spirit of Love Shines from Your Soul to Mine--Dragonfly)
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To: mylife

MINE!!!


700 posted on 12/14/2004 8:12:24 PM PST by Soaring Feather (The Spirit of Love Shines from Your Soul to Mine--Dragonfly)
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