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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: uncleshag

LOL, Shag! I love the Squirrel Nuts and the Pork Pig is great! Thanks.


721 posted on 12/14/2004 8:32:14 PM PST by reaganaut (Red state girl in a Blue state world (Socialist Republic of California))
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To: fatima

FReepmail!!


722 posted on 12/14/2004 8:32:30 PM PST by Soaring Feather
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To: fatima

Thanks for the support, I guess making gifts for the cats is going a little overboard (ok, WAY overboard). If I can drag myself off Freep for a few days, I could probably get everything done.


723 posted on 12/14/2004 8:33:54 PM PST by reaganaut (Red state girl in a Blue state world (Socialist Republic of California))
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To: bentfeather
Do you have any idea how far behind this puts me??? LOL!!

ms feather.....#700!!


724 posted on 12/14/2004 8:34:41 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska (Support Our Troops! Operation Valentine's Day www.proudpatriots.com)
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To: fatima

fatima...((((((((((HUGS)))))))))) How are you doing? How is hubby doing? Kids waiting on him hand and foot?


725 posted on 12/14/2004 8:35:36 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska (Support Our Troops! Operation Valentine's Day www.proudpatriots.com)
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To: reaganaut

Another satisfied FReeper!

I'm pulling for you with your self imposed workload.
Plan the work...then work the plan!
You'll be done in record time!


726 posted on 12/14/2004 8:36:52 PM PST by uncleshag (Send the Light - Merry Christmas!)
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To: reaganaut

reaganaut,You know you can get this done.


727 posted on 12/14/2004 8:37:23 PM PST by fatima (Pray for our troops.)
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To: uncleshag

Thanks. ADHD doesn't help though. LOL.


728 posted on 12/14/2004 8:37:36 PM PST by reaganaut (Red state girl in a Blue state world (Socialist Republic of California))
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To: fatima

Yes, I can. Just gotta get going.


729 posted on 12/14/2004 8:38:17 PM PST by reaganaut (Red state girl in a Blue state world (Socialist Republic of California))
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To: Kathy in Alaska

20 people Saturday and a different 20 Sunday.Don't ever eat vegatables and rice for dinner you will be hungry in 1 hour.


730 posted on 12/14/2004 8:39:43 PM PST by fatima (Pray for our troops.)
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To: fatima; uncleshag; All

Ok, I'm off to get some actual work done. See you all tomorrow. {{{{HUGS}}}}


731 posted on 12/14/2004 8:39:49 PM PST by reaganaut (Red state girl in a Blue state world (Socialist Republic of California))
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To: reaganaut

Proud of you,(((Hugs)))


732 posted on 12/14/2004 8:43:17 PM PST by fatima (Pray for our troops.)
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To: MoJo2001

Hi, MoJo:

Nice eclectic selection of sounds!

The Scottish Borderers remind of discussing politics, old times and world events with my buddy. Whose neighbor was a piper playing away on Sunday afternoons.

Jack.


733 posted on 12/14/2004 8:44:15 PM PST by Jack Deth (When In Doubt.... Empty The Magazine!)
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To: fatima

Well, I'm glad to see that you aren't starving. Don't worry about me.......green things are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay doen on my list of things to eat. LOL!


734 posted on 12/14/2004 8:44:42 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska (Support Our Troops! Operation Valentine's Day www.proudpatriots.com)
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To: uncleshag

Cool tractor. Is it a work in progress? Does it go on its own?


735 posted on 12/14/2004 8:46:16 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska (Support Our Troops! Operation Valentine's Day www.proudpatriots.com)
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To: MoJo2001; Kathy in Alaska
Thanks MoJo & Kathy
736 posted on 12/14/2004 8:48:11 PM PST by MeekMom (When are the Hollyweirds moving to Canada/France?)
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To: fatima

Just a quick 'Hi!', we're about to clean up the kitchen after making Christmas cookies.

I see that life goes on in your household...I'm glad for you that last week's problem wasn't as serious as it could have been.

{{Hugs}}


737 posted on 12/14/2004 8:49:31 PM PST by HiJinx ( www.ProudPatriots.com ~ Operation Valentine's Day ~ 1/1/05 to 1/21/05)
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To: Kathy in Alaska

Kathy I never eat fast food but have been doing that before going home.


738 posted on 12/14/2004 8:49:42 PM PST by fatima (Pray for our troops.)
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To: Kathy in Alaska

Oh, it's a working tractor. Does it all. Nothing fancy.
I can tear it down, overhaul and replace in two days.
All parts are still readily available.

Got a box blade, mower and discs which all work off the hydraulic 3 pt. hitch. Cool tool!



739 posted on 12/14/2004 8:51:41 PM PST by uncleshag (Send the Light - Merry Christmas!)
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To: HiJinx

Thanks for the hug and a ((((Hug ))) back,we are still working on it and things should settle down in a few weeks for both of them,thank you for everything.


740 posted on 12/14/2004 8:52:34 PM PST by fatima (Pray for our troops.)
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