Skip to main content
Advanced Search
Composite Bow
Composite Bow
Image © Worcester Art Museum, all rights reserved.

Composite Bow

Culture
Culture
Date1700s
Mediumwood, sinew, horn, lacquer
Dimensions66 × 32 cm (26 × 12 5/8 in.), 10 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
MarkingsSigned "made by Abdullah" in gold at one end, with what appears to be a date (worn) at the other; see photos and transcription in digital file.
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.343
DescriptionFace of horn, back of wood with a covering of reddened leather with borders of gold lacquer. There is another lacquered material, perhaps antler, inset into the nocks.
Label TextWhen this bow is strung, the "C" curves in the opposite direction, as in the nearby Turkish painting--this type is sometimes called a recurved bow. This creates tremendous tension, but the layered construction of the bow keeps it from breaking. Such bows, powerful yet compact, were used by Turkish horse archers: their size made them handy for use on horseback.ProvenanceCollection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view
Collections