Bow Case Cover
Culture
Ottoman
Date1600s
Mediumiron, gold
Dimensions30.5 × 69 cm (12 × 27 3/16 in.), 1 lb, 14 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.65
DescriptionSteel, constructed of two plates, now secured by 3 oval plates riveted inside; 4 older, now inactive rivets probably remain from the original means of attachment. The perimeter is pierced with small stitching-holes, and there is a slow at the uppermost corner for a mounting-strap. Small traces of leather still adhere to the back near the tip.The plates are engraved against a gold ground, the ground punched with massed lines and sets of three (tiger spots); the three inner panels with an inscription in Turkish (?), the outer register with half palmette and trefoil scroll bordered by narrow registers alternately plain and with stylized guilloche design.
Label TextThe Turks who carved out an empire around the Eastern Mediterranean actually originated from the grasslands of Central Asia, where they were nomadic horse-herders similar to the Mongols. Even when they had established themselves in the ancient Roman capital of Constantinople, they preserved many traditions from their nomadic days. One of these was horse-archery. The Turks had long been expert bowmen, whose bows were built from layers of wood, horn, and sinew that allowed huge power to be stored in a weapon short enough to be used on horseback. The bow dangled in a holster from the horseman’s right side, ready for a quick draw across the body. This superlative gilt cover gave a nomad’s utilitarian accessory the look of imperial splendor.ProvenancePurchased by Museum from American Art Association, Anderson Galleries (NYC), Macomber sale, December 10-12, 1936 (lot 187). Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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