E1477: Kung San Wooden Bow

Ethnographic

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Identifier:

E1477

Classification Category:

5:Tools & Equipment for Science and Technology ➞ Armament ➞ Edged

Marks/Labels:

N/A

Materials:

binding agents ➔ adhesive ➔ unidentified
fabric ➔ rope ➔ Plant Fiber
botanical ➔ wood

Dimensions:

Source Locality:

Mark Herron picked this and various other !Kungsan items up while he was in Botswana in 1967. He traveled into the Kalahari and met a tribe of !Kungsan, to which he took a few pictures while he was in their camp.

Acquisition Date:

1967

Description:

This handmade bow was made by the !Kungsan people who live in the Kalahari desert. It was likely used by males who often hunted for food or used it to injure and skill predators. The bow string is attached to the curve wood either by knotting it or wrapping it in sinew made from plant fiber before they used an adhesive to keep it attached to the bow and the string taut.

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