August September 2023 FAN UK

["51 \nThe banter went on well into the night around a glowing campfire before time to turn \ninto our pavilions for the night. \nA thoroughly enjoyable occasion both in the living, the companionship and the \nshooting. \nThe comradeship of Archers never ceases to amaze me. \nThe results were: \nOH Boyd \n980 \nCharlie Newman \n610 \nLee Monery \n900 \nSteve Gosling (Captain of Archers) 600 \nTerry Newman \n820 \nHilary Parren \n390 \nScott King \n800 \nKaren Gosling \n250 \nSteve Gosling was joint first in the speed shooting event \nwith 11 arrows per minute. \nCampfire. \nCampfire. \nCampfire. \n \n \n ","52 \nAfter the presentation of the awards our Marshall, Gary Bourne thanked the ladies \nbehind the scenes and we all gave them a rousing \u201cHip, hip, hurray!\u201d \nThere follows a brief message from Gary Bourne, \nthe Marshall of the Medieval Society: \n\u201cI was very proud of the presentation of the camp with everyone pulling together \nand as a result its authenticity as a 15th century camp was well maintained. \nIt was a busy weekend due to the weather and occasion it I think we acquitted \nourselves well for the occasion in both the shooting and the presentation. \nAs a Society we are looking forward to next year\u2019s event \nand great credit is due to its organisers.\u201d \nThe organisers, \nThe organisers, \nThe organisers, \nInnis and \nInnis and \nInnis and \nPistol. \nPistol. \nPistol. "," \n \n \n \nhttps:\/\/fairbowusa.com\/","Find me on Facebook \n@ \n\u201cTwangers Arrows\u201d \nor email me at: \[email protected] \n54 "," ","Fort Purbrook Company of Bowmen \nWA Field Championships 2023 \n(Open, SCAS and Hampshire) \n~ Photographs by Charlotte Hawley ~ \n56 "," \n \n57 ","58 ","59 ","60 ","www.blackridge-archery.co.uk","62 \nPhotographs by Ji \nSFAA Scottish Bowhu","im Granger at the \nunter Champs 2023 \n63 ","Did you know that if you would like to show your appreciation and support \nfor FAN UK and what Hels is doing (and to enable her to keep the magazine free \nfor everyone) you can DONATE? \nYou may or may not know that \"Field Archery News UK\" \nonline magazine is researched, edited & produced by just \none person whose aim has always been and still is to \nbring field archery in all its forms (alongside other forms \nof archery) and all associations & societies together in one \nplace to celebrate, promote and share our wonderful sport \nwith archers, clubs and enthusiasts across the UK & \nworldwide. \nAny sum to keep the magazine going would be greatly appreciated - thank you! \nTo Donate just visit \nhttps:\/\/www.paypal.me\/FANUKHels \n64 ","www.mandarinduck.net \n ","66 ","67 ","68 \nBooking via email only via \[email protected] \nWebsite: \nhttps:\/\/dearnevalleyfac.webador.co.uk\/ \nFacebook: \nhttps:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/213131777118297\/? \nref=share_group_link \nWe don't do Twitter, Instagram etc. \nPre-pay, pre-book only. \nDogs welcome \nCrossbows not allowed (landlords restriction) \nFull catering (cash only) \n2 minutes from Junction 38 M1","Carol Archery \nwas 40 Years old on 8 August. \nth \nCan\u2019t believe it\u2026 \n40 \nyears (but I\u2019m still only 21)! \nLessons and arrow matching are now back in full swing\u2026BUT\u2026PLEASE, \nbook before turning up as I\u2019m really busy. \nOf course, I\u2019m still doing mail order for those who know what they need. \nAnd if you don\u2019t, book a time to visit and get lots of advice and a cuppa! \nARROW MATCHING \nIt really isn\u2019t possible to sort your arrows over the phone or \nby email\u2026 so do book yourself an arrow matching session at \nmy workshop. \nOne thing though\u2026 PLEASE, do \nNOT \n buy a bow that is too \nheavy for you\u2026 or you \nwill \ninjure yourself and arrow \nmatching is just not possible. \nI have arrows in 1\/4, 9\/32, 5\/16 and 11\/32 with most point \nweights, made up for you to try. \nNow I\u2019m open again, book yourself a \nsession and see the difference it \nmakes to your shooting skills. \nArrow Matching, \u00a335. \nor book an hour\u2019s help with your \nshooting, \u00a349. \nMy Carols Tri-Jig will help you make \n our own arrows really easily! \n Standard length \u00a374 Long length \u00a384 \nI also make leather \u2018stuff\u2019, including quivers and armguards, \npouches and belts, plus handbags and shoulder bags. \nCraft Cottage, Bookham Lodge Stud, Cobham Road, Stoke D\u2019Abernon, Surrey, KT11 3QG \nCarolarchery.com +44(0)1932 865181 07957 276892 \[email protected]","70 \n~ The Bowyer\u2019s Diary ~ \nby Derek Hutchison \n(AKA \u201cDel the Cat\u201d). \n\u201c Scoop Backed Yew Primitive. \u201d \nFollowing on from the failed Yew primitive in the last issue, I had a look through my \nstash for a stave which would suit. There was one good candidate, the sapwood \nwas rather thick but it looked very clean and knot free. Soon I\u2019d roughed it out on \nthe bandsaw and started taking off some of the bulk of the sapwood with the draw \nknife. I was keeping roughly to a ring and it felt lovely and smooth, I\u2019d taken off \nabout half the excess thickness when I noticed a dark streak appearing along the \ncentre of one limb??? Was it a streak of rot? Maybe it was one of those thin shoots \nthat grow up alongside a trunk? \nI took off a few more strokes of the \ndraw knife and it grew wider and \nlonger! I couldn\u2019t fathom it\u2026 the \nsapwood was still very thick on the \nsides (5-6mm). I recalled doing an \nEnglish Longbow some time back \nthat had a similar feature, a ridge of \nheartwood that swelled up through the \nsapwood and was exposed on the back, \nit became a fine bow which I named \n\u201dRidgeback\u201d. ","71 \nWhy is the heartwood ridge a problem? Two reasons really: - \n1. I want a sapwood back as it is better in tension than the heartwood (although \nan all heartwood bow can be made). \n2. The heartwood is stiffer than the sapwood and the extra thickness of \nheartwood makes that limb too stiff. \nThere are several solutions: \n1. I could make the limb thinner by removing wood from the belly, but that \nwould also make the limb narrower (I want the wide spear point shaped limb) \nand show sapwood either side of the heartwood on the belly. \n2. I could scoop out the belly of the bow a \u201chollow limb\u201d design, but I\u2019ve seen \nthat done before. \n3. A novel approach that I haven\u2019t seen before, scoop out the heartwood from \nthe back! After all the heartwood can\u2019t fail in tension on the back if it\u2019s no \nlonger there! \nYew Section ","72 \nI proceeded tentatively with a half round \ngouge and soon became optimistic that it \nwould work and also look good. I found the \nsapwood was a tad thin at the edges of the \nscoop, so I went a bit wider and deeper. I got \nit onto the tiller fairly early on, as is my way, \nand found I had plenty of draw weight. From \nthen on, it was the usual slow steady process, aiming for 45# at 28\u201d. I was a little \noverweight by the time I\u2019d got it to a full 28\u201d draw, but bows tend to settle by a \ncouple of pounds with use. \nThe guy came over on a Friday to collect the bow and had a few test shots at 10 \nyards\u2026 his first two shot hit a 2.5 x 3\u201d rectangular scrap of paper! A testament to \nhim as the archer and me as the bowyer. He had a look at some of my other bows \ntoo and had a go with the Chinese Repeating Crossbow (always a crowd pleaser). \nHe took the bow to a field shoot on the Sunday and commented on Facebook \n(where I\u2019d posted pictures of the bow) that he\u2019d won gold in the primitive class, but \nalso beat the gents Longbow highest score! A very satisfied customer \n\ud83d\ude0a . \nPrimitive Full Draw ","www.shirearchery.co.uk","74 \nBritish Horseback Archery Association \n2023 British National Champs \n3 days, 3 disciplines and 26 competitors \nMatch Report & photographs \nby Helen Barnes. \nThe British Horseback Archery Association National Championships (an IHAA 2* Record \n& Ranking event) took place over the weekend of 29-30th July at New Leaf Triangle \nHorseback Archery, Leicestershire. This year saw our highest ever competitor numbers, \nwith riders split across 4 categories; Junior, Young Rider, Senior and iHBA (inclusive \nhorseback archery) Competitors came from many of our clubs across the country: \nCotteswold Mounted Archers, Durham Mounted Archers, Essex Horse \nArchers, Forest Horseback Archers, New Leaf Triangle, Ribble Valley \nMounted Archers, Severn Vale Horse Archers, South Downs Horse \nArchers and the South East Centaurs. \nAfter a practise day on Friday to familiarise horses and \nriders with the track and surroundings, everyone competed \non the Raid 233 and Skirmish 90 tracks on Saturday. Then on \nSunday it was the Tower 90 track. There were some outstanding \nperformances this year and many personal bests were set and \nseveral national records. \nThanks to everyone who worked hard to ensure the competition's success: \nHost Troy Shaw, family & team; Organiser Katy Phillips; Head judge Dan Sawyer ","75 \n \n(IHAA L2 ST) and trainee judges Cora Moore, Charlie Madeley & Becca Sweetman (all \nIHAA L1). Thanks to all those in ground crew roles, the competition ran very efficiently. \nThanks most of all to all the horses, they gave their all \nand it would be nothing without them\u2026 \nCora Moore and Zavon \nEowyn Barnes-Short and Kinnskjona \nDom Calton on Monkey ","76 \nCongratulations to Richard Addison who, at his first ever national championships \ntook the title of British Champion as the overall winner \nof the 3 events combined, on his horse Topaz II. \nRichard Addison and Emily Massey \niHBA podium \nRoss Baugh on Samson "," \n77 \nFinal Placings \nSenior Category: \n Richard Addison & Topaz II \n Emily Massey & Sebastian \n Michael Ruby & Thomas \niHBA: \n Ros Jones & Monkey \n Katie Phillips & Trelawnys Jack \nYoung Rider: \n Cora Moore & Zavon \n Glenn May & Thomas \n Lauren Fell & Ghost Dancer \nJunior podium \nYoung Rider podium ","78 \nCaspar Sumner on Silver \nJunior: \n Eowyn Barnes-Short & Kinnskjona \n Katherine Robinson-Park & Meg \n Blaise White & Conquistador \nNew British Records: \nRaid 233 (YR): Cora Moore & Zavon, 67.45 \nRaid 233 (Junior): Katherine Robinson Park & Meg, 62.29 \nSkirmish (Senior): Richard Addison & Topaz II, 58.58 \nSkirmish (YR): Cora Moore & Zavon, 41.705 \nSkirmish (Junior): Casper Sumner & Silver, 37.845 \nTower 90 (YR): Glenn May & Thomas, 65.395 \nHelen Barnes, Cotteswold Mounted Archers \nwww.mountedarchery.org.uk \nNick White on Conquistador \nRos Jones and Monkey ","79 \nClaire Sawyer on Sebastian \nRoss Baugh on Samson ","ArcherySuccess.com","81 ","82 ","www.ds-archery.com","Pictured: \nPictured: \nPictured: \nElina Moilanen \nElina Moilanen \nElina Moilanen \n84 ","www.thearcherycompany.com","FAN UK introducing \npresents... \n\u201cThe Manchu Bow & \n\u201cThe Manchu Bow & \n\u201cThe Manchu Bow & \nManchu Archery\u201d \nManchu Archery\u201d \nManchu Archery\u201d \nby Csaba Fenesi - Archery Historian. \nby Csaba Fenesi - Archery Historian. \nby Csaba Fenesi - Archery Historian. \nThe mighty Manchu bow, also called a Qing bow was one of the last bows of the Asiatic \ncomposite design and construction to be used as an official military weapon. Named after the \npeople inhabiting the area of north-eastern \nChina \n[ \nhttps:\/\/archeryhistorian.com\/traditional- \nchinese-archery\/ \n] called Manchuria, the Manchu bow is widely recognized by traditional and \nhistorical archery enthusiasts by its impressive size (some are over 64 inches long when \nstrung) and heavy draw weights (over 150 pounds in some cases). \nThe following article delves into the specifics \nof the Manchu bow and Manchu archery. \nBy \nhttps:\/\/wellcomeimages.org\/indexplus\/ \nobf_images\/3d\/68\/ \nea178ca1f997eb31dc320678f9e3.jpgG \nallery: https:\/\/wellcomeimages.org\/indexplus\/image\/ \nL0040987.htmlWellcome Collection gallery \n(2018-03-22): https:\/\/wellcomecollection.org\/works\/ \nuhxx77j7 CC-BY-4.0, CC BY 4.0, \nhttps:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php? \ncurid=36098464[\/caption] \n86 \nExclusive"," \n \n \n \n \n87 \nManchuria & the Manchu People \nBefore exploring the Manchu bow and Manchu archery let us look at the Manchu people and \nthe area in north-eastern China that bears their name, Manchuria. The Manchu people \nhave descended from a people known as the Jurchens. The Jurchens integrated sedentary \nagriculture with nomadic lifestyle aspects, namely husbandry and hunting. The earliest \nJurchen \npeoples \ndescended \nfrom \nthe \nDonghu \n[ \nhttps:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ \nDonghu_people \n], an earlier tribal confederation that appears in historical records from the \n7th century BCE. They appear to have been destroyed or assimilated by the \nXiongnu \n[ \nhttps:\/\/ \nen.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Xiongnu \n], their warlike nomadic neighbours further west in about \n150 BCE. [1] \nThe Jurchens \nThe Jurchens, an ethnic group primarily \ninhabiting the region known as Manchuria, \ndisplayed a remarkable understanding of the land \nand its resources, incorporating both agricultural \nand nomadic traditions into their way of life. Their \nfarming practices and animal husbandry techniques \nplayed vital roles in sustaining their communities \nand shaping their cultural identity. \nBy Unknown author - \nhttp:\/\/www.battle-of-qurman.com.cn\/e\/list.htm \nPublic Domain Image - \nhttps:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/ \nindex.php?curid=12016445[\/caption]","In terms of agriculture, the Jurchens cultivated a variety of crops suited to the local climate \nand soil conditions. Millet, wheat, soybeans and barley were among the principal crops they \ngrew, providing essential staples for their sustenance. The Jurchens showcased ingenuity in \nadapting their farming techniques to the specific demands of the region, maximizing yields \ndespite the challenging northern climate. \nTheir farming methods often involved a rotation system to maintain soil fertility. By \nalternating between cultivating different crops in a particular area, the Jurchens mitigated soil \ndepletion and ensured the long-term viability of their farmland. This astute approach to \nagriculture highlights their knowledge of sustainable farming practices. \nJurchens & Animal Husbandry \nAnimal husbandry held significant importance in Jurchen society. Horses, in particular, held a \ncentral role in their nomadic lifestyle and warfare strategies. The Jurchens skilfully bred and \ntrained horses to meet their specific needs, producing animals renowned for their strength, \nendurance, and agility. These well-adapted horses served as reliable companions in battle and \nfacilitated swift and decisive mounted attacks, distinguishing the Jurchens on the battlefield. \nBeyond horses, the Jurchens engaged in the husbandry of other livestock, including cattle, \nsheep, and pigs. Cattle provided milk, meat, and hides, while sheep offered wool for clothing \nand insulation in the harsh northern winters. Pigs, known for their versatility, supplied a \nvaluable source of meat. The Jurchens skilfully managed their herds, allowing them to graze \non the plentiful grasslands and benefit from the \nnatural resources available. \nBy Giuseppe Castiglione - \nhttp:\/\/www.guimet.fr\/les-tres-riches-heures-de-la-cour,486, \nPublic Domain, \nhttps:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=16059340 \n[\/caption] \n88 "," \n \n \n89 \nThe symbiotic relationship between the Jurchens and the land is evident in their agricultural \nand animal husbandry practices. Their deep understanding of the environment enabled them \nto adapt and thrive, using the resources at their disposal to support their communities. By \nintegrating farming and nomadic traditions, the Jurchens forged a unique cultural identity \nthat harmonized with the diverse landscapes of north-eastern China. \nThe Jin Dynasty \nThe Jurchens built an empire known as the Jin Dynasty, stretching across vast territories. They \nwere resourceful and ingenious, developing clever ways to support themselves in their harsh \nsurroundings. Hunting and fishing were essential for sustenance, and their ability to survive in \nthe unforgiving wilderness earned them the admiration of many. \nBut it was their distinct style of warfare that truly set the Jurchens apart. Picture, if you will, a \nthunderous charge of \nmounted warriors \n[ \nhttps:\/\/archeryhistorian.com\/horse-bows-the- \nkings-weapon\/ \n], their banners fluttering \nin the wind, as they galloped across the \nopen plains. The Jurchens were fierce \nhorse archers, skilled in shooting arrows \nwith deadly precision while riding at full \nspeed. Their tactics were marked by \nlightning-fast hit-and-run attacks, striking \nfear into the hearts of their enemies. \nBy \u0160olon - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, \nhttps:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php? \ncurid=20373127[\/caption]","Jurchen Warriors \nBut there's more to the Jurchens than their equestrian prowess. They were also clever \nstrategists, capable of adapting to various battlefields. During sieges, they employed \ninnovative techniques such as building catapults and scaling ladders to breach enemy \nfortifications. Their determination and cunning often turned the tide of war in their favour, \nearning them a well-deserved reputation as formidable opponents. \nAs time went on, the Jurchens' empire faced challenges from neighbouring powers, including \nthe Mongols [ \nhttps:\/\/archeryhistorian.com\/mongol-bow\/ \n]. In 1234, the Jin Dynasty fell, \nsuccumbing to the might of Genghis Khan's Mongol Empire. The Jurchens, however, were \nnot vanquished. They regrouped, retreated to the north, and eventually re-emerged as the \nfounders of the Later Jin Dynasty. \nThe Later Jin Dynasty, under the leadership of Emperor W\u00e1ny\u00e1n X\u01d0n\u01da, marked a new chapter \nin Jurchen history. They adopted a more sedentary lifestyle, assimilating with the local Han \nChinese culture and forging a unique blend of their own. This cultural fusion left a lasting \nimpact on the region, shaping the course of history for generations to come. \nChanging Times \nThe transition from the name \"Jurchen\" to \"Manchu\" marks an important historical \ndevelopment in the region of north-eastern China. The change in nomenclature reflects a \nshift in identity and political dynamics, coinciding with the rise of the Qing Dynasty and its \nsubsequent rule over China. \nThe term \"Jurchen\" originally referred to the ethnic group that inhabited the region known as \nManchuria during the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234). However, with the fall of the Jin Dynasty and \nthe subsequent emergence of the Later Jin Dynasty, the Jurchens gradually transformed their \n90 "," \n \n \n \n \n \n \n91 \nidentity and assimilated with the local Han Chinese. \nThe defining moment in the name transition occurred during the early 17th century when the \nJurchen leader Nurhaci unified various Jurchen tribes under his rule and established the Later \nJin Dynasty, which later evolved into the Qing Dynasty. Nurhaci recognized the need for a new \nidentity that would reflect the growing political power and aspirations of his people. \nBy Philg88: Attribution Wikimedia Foundation, \nwww.wikimedia.org \n- Own work Incorporates modified version of \nFile:Empire of the Great Qing (orthographic projection).svg. Note that the map excludes Tawang from Tibet., CC BY 4.0, \nhttps:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=32457960[\/caption]","From Jurchen to Manchu \nIn 1635, Nurhaci's son, Hong Taiji, proclaimed the establishment of the Qing Dynasty, \ndeclaring himself the Emperor of the Great Qing. As part of his efforts to solidify the dynasty's \nlegitimacy and present a united front to the Chinese population, Hong Taiji made the decision \nto adopt a new ethnonym for the Jurchen people. The term \"Manchu\" was chosen as the new \nname, possibly derived from the Manchu word \"manju,\" which means \"pure.\" \nThe adoption of the name \"Manchu\" served multiple purposes. It signalled a break from the \npast, symbolizing the transformation of the Jurchens into a distinct ethnic and political entity. \nBy embracing a new identity, the ruling elite aimed to create a sense of cohesion and \nreinforce their legitimacy as rulers of a multiethnic empire. Moreover, the name change was \npart of a larger strategy to consolidate control over China proper and project a more inclusive \nimage to the Han Chinese population. \nOver time, the term \"Manchu\" became synonymous with the ruling class of the Qing \nDynasty. The term encompasses not only the Jurchen ethnic group but also other ethnic \ngroups. This includes Mongols and Han Chinese who had joined the Manchu banners. \nThis blending of different ethnicities under the umbrella of the Manchu identity further \nsolidified the political and social \nfabric of the Qing Dynasty. \nThe Qing Dynasty was the last \nImperial dynasty in China, \nlasting from 1644 to 1912. \n92 "," et us delve into the contemporary presence of the Manchu people, who form the largest \n banization. \n eserved their distinct cultural heritage, \n nguage, and artistic expressions that reflect \n their historical roots and cultural identity. \n93 \nThe Manchus Today \nL \nbranch of the Tungusic peoples. They are distributed throughout China, constituting the \nfourth largest ethnic group in the country. \nThe Manchu people, descendants of the historical Jurchen inhabitants of Manchuria, \nmaintain a significant presence in modern-day China. The majority of Manchus reside in their \ntraditional homeland of north-eastern China, specifically in the provinces of Liaoning, Jilin, \nand Heilongjiang. They can also be found in other parts of the country due to migration and \nu r \nWith a population estimated in the millions, \nthe Manchu people contribute to the rich \nethnic diversity of China. They have \np r \nwhich includes unique customs, traditions, \nl \na \nBy Unknown author - \nPalace Museum, Beijing \n\uff08\u6545\u5bab\u535a\u7269\u9662 \n, \nPublic Domain, \nhttps:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php? \ncurid=15178218[\/caption]","The Manchu Language \nLanguage plays a crucial role in the preservation of Manchu cultural heritage. The Manchu \nlanguage, belonging to the Tungusic language family, is distinct from Mandarin and other \nChinese dialects. While Mandarin has become the predominant language for most Manchus, \nefforts are being made to revitalize and preserve the Manchu language as a means of \nconnecting with their ancestral heritage. \nThe Manchu culture, influenced by both agricultural and \nnomadic traditions, is characterized by a blend of \nindigenous customs and Chinese cultural elements. \nFestivals and rituals hold special significance, providing \noccasions for the Manchu people to come together and \ncelebrate their shared heritage. These celebrations often \nshowcase traditional music, dance, costumes and culinary \ndelights\u2026 this offers glimpses into the cultural richness of \nthe Manchu community. \nIn contemporary society, many Manchus have integrated into various professional fields, \nincluding education, government, arts, and business. They actively contribute to the \neconomic and social development of the regions where they reside. The Manchu identity and \ncultural practices continue to play a significant role in shaping their community's collective \nconsciousness. The Chinese government recognizes the importance of preserving and \npromoting Manchu culture. Efforts have been made to support cultural initiatives, language \nrevitalization programs and educational opportunities; this is with the hope to foster a deeper \nunderstanding and appreciation of Manchu traditions and history. These endeavours aim \nto ensure the continuity and vitality of Manchu culture among younger generations. \n94 \nBy MacCandy - Own work, \nCCBY-SA 4.0, \nhttps:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/ \nindex.php?curid=45483403[\/caption]"," \n ntroduction of firearms and muskets began to play an ever-increasing role in battles. \n \n \n ong draw, around 35 inches or so. Manchu archers \n the string bridges which contact the string. They \n95 \nThe Manchu Bow & Qing Bow \nNow that we have a better understanding of the Manchu people, let us examine their \ntraditional bow. The Manchu or Qing bow (The Qing Dynasty: 1644 to 1912) is the most \nmassive and largest of the Asiatic composite bows. The era of the Qing dynasty saw the \ni \nHowever, the Manchu bow still retained its prominent role in warfare. In terms of function \nand utility, there is a spectrum on which traditional composite bows may be placed. On one \nfar end, there are bows that were optimized to shoot an arrow as far as possible. Both these \nbows and arrows were relatively small and fast. The \nTurkish \n[ \nhttps:\/\/archeryhistorian.com\/ \nturkish-bow\/ \n] composite flight bow is the best example of one such bow. \nOn the other end of the spectrum are bows designed to impart as much kinetic energy to the \narrow and, therefore, into the target. The Manchu bow sits on this opposite extreme end. \nThe power of Turkish bows was determined by how far they could shoot an arrow. The power \nof a Manchu bow was demonstrated by how much penetrative power it had at a relatively \nshort distance. \nAs you can see from the illustration below ( \nThe Composite Bow, Mike Loades; Drawing \nby Robert J. Molineaux \n), the Manchu bow has very large siyahs (rigid outermost section) \nwhich are set to a relatively extreme angle to the \nbending section of the bow. This allows for a very \nl \ncan be seen in photographs drawing well past the \near to the shoulder. Another prominent feature is \nwere typically made from wood or horn. \n \n ","Manchu Bow Construction \nLike all Asiatic composites, the main ingredients for Manchu bow construction are wood horn \nand sinew. Mulberry was much favoured for the construction of the core - Bamboo was \nconsidered somewhat inferior. At the heart of the Manchu bow lies a careful selection of \nmaterials, chosen for their strength, resilience and ability to withstand the tremendous forces \nexerted upon them. The primary material employed in crafting this marvel is the composite of \nwood, horn and sinew. The central core is hewn from a sturdy and flexible piece of wood \n(mulberry or similar). This resilient base provides the bow with the necessary flexibility to \nbend and store the immense energy required for its powerful shot. \nEncasing the core is a layer of water buffalo horn, skilfully cut into thin strips. The horn \nadds compressive strength to the bow, allowing it to withstand the forces exerted during the \ndrawing and release of the arrow. Each strip of horn is meticulously shaped and glued onto \nthe wooden core, forming a continuous outer layer that encases the belly. \nTo further enhance the performance and resilience of the Manchu bow, sinew is employed as \nthe next layer. Derived from the tendons of animals, sinew possesses remarkable tensile \nstrength. The sinew is meticulously cleaned, dried, and then pounded into thin threads. These \nthreads are laid onto the bow - in layers - and secured with a specialized glue made from fish \n96 "," \n \n \n97 \nbladder, heated animal hooves and other secret additives known only to the skilled bowyers \nof the time. \nTreatment & Tillering \nOnce the layers of horn and sinew are in place, the construction process takes a new \ndirection. The bow is subjected to a process known as \"heat-bending.\" Expert bowyers, \nwielding their wisdom and experience, carefully heat the bow using radiant heat sources such \nas hot sand or steam. The application of heat softens the horn and sinew, allowing the \nbowyers to shape the bow's graceful recurve profile. This phase demands utmost precision \nand intuition, as the bowyer must ensure that the limbs possess equal dimensions and \nsymmetry. \nFollowing the heat-bending stage, \nthe bow undergoes a meticulous \nprocess of tillering. This entails the \ncareful removal of material from \nspecific areas of the bow's limbs, \nthereby \nadjusting \nits \nflexural \ncharacteristics. \nThe bowyers, armed with a keen eye \nand the sharpest of tools, gradually \nshave off thin layers from strategic \nregions of the bow until its optimal performance is achieved. \nThis harmonious balance between power and flexibility is the defining feature of the \nManchu bow. \nhttps:\/\/afarchery.com\/ https:\/\/afarchery.com\/products\/qing-bow \n, ","The Patience of Manchu Bowyers \nThe construction of a Manchu bow is a true labor of dedication, requiring exceptional \ncraftsmanship and attention to detail. Skilled bowyers, often called \"gongshi\" or master \ncraftsmen, dedicated years of their lives honing their skills to perfect the art of bow making. \nThese revered artisans are held in high esteem within the society, their mastery acknowl- \nedged \nand respected by emperors, nobility, and warriors alike. \nThe time required to construct a Manchu bow varies depending on the skill level of the bow- \nyer \nand the intricacy of the design. From the initial selection of materials to the final touches, a \nmaster bowyer may spend months, if not years, to complete a single bow. The process \ndemands patience, a keen eye for detail, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. \nA picture is worth a thousand words they say. \nManchu Military Examinations \nOther than its large size and intimidating presence, the Manchu bow is also known for having \na very high draw weight. There are some bows that were made and used solely for military \ntraining and examinations. These are known as \"strength bows\" or \"numbered bows\". Many \nwere numbered as a way to identify their approximate draw weights. A No. 1 bow is the \nheaviest and the draw weights descend as the number increases. \nThese bows were specifically crafted to test the physical prowess, skill and stamina of \n98 ","99 \nindividuals aspiring to serve in the military ranks of the Qing Empire. By wielding such a \ndemanding weapon, one not only showcased their power and might but also demonstrated \ntheir discipline and fortitude in facing the challenges of warfare. \nHowever, what set the strength bows apart was their unique and exceptional draw weights. \nThese bows were crafted with significantly heavier poundages compared to standard bows. \nManchu bowyers were pushing the limits of human strength and endurance. \nThe exact draw weights of these bows varied. However, it is said that they could range from \n150 to 200 pounds or even higher. \nTo master the strength bow, individuals had to undergo extensive training, physical \nconditioning, and skill development. The archer's muscles had to adapt and strengthen \ngradually to handle the intense demands of drawing and releasing arrows from bows \nwith such monumental poundage. \nPicture by: \nAF Archery ","Meticulous Records \nThe Manchus used the composite bow much later than other cultures. Also, they kept \ndetailed records relating to military matters. Documents from 1736 record test results for \nmilitary exams for 3200 men. These men represented the elite Hangzhou banner corps:- \n\u25cf 80 of the 3200 were able to acceptably use bows between 147 and 173 pounds; \u25cf the \nmajority, 2,200 men, shot bows in the range between 80 and 133 pounds and \u25cf 920 were \nonly able to handle bows up to 67 pounds ( \nDekker 2012: 103 \n). \nManchu Archery Technique \nManchu archery, like much traditional Asiatic archery, implores the use of a thumb ring. Some \nof the earliest archer's rings were discovered thus far come to us from north-eastern China. \nThey date to between 4700 BC and 2920 BC ( \nKoppedrayer 2002: 19 \n). During the Qing Dynasty \n(1644-1912), cylindrical thumb rings were the most common. There are also some benefits to \ncylindrical rings over non-symmetrical ones. One of them is that the ring will always be in \nproper alignment. The ring can rotate on the thumb without losing its functionality. Also, \ncylindrical rings are relatively easy to manufacture compared to other types. The Manchu \nbow archery technique is characterized by a long and smooth draw. There is an emphasis on \nall things related to proper form. From proper breath, foot placement and other anatomical \nconsiderations. An excellent resource on \ntraditional Chinese archery \n[ \nhttps:\/\/ \narcheryhistorian.com\/traditional-chinese-archery\/#google_vignette \n] in general is the work \n\"The Way of Archery - A 1637 Chinese Military Training Manual\" \n. The original was produced \nslightly before the Qing Dynasty was established. However, it is very informative on proper \nform and historical aspects of archery from this time and region. Check it out here: \nhttps:\/\/ \nwww.thewayofarchery.com\/ \n100 \nAdditional References: \n[1] \nOrigins of Minority Ethnic Groups in Heilongjiang Archived \nMarch 22, 2014, at the \nWayback Machine; \nThe Composite Bow - Mike Loades: \nhttp:\/\/www.mikeloades.com\/the-composite-bow\/ \nand \n http:\/\/www.manchuarchery.org\/bows \n. "]