Shooting from a Tuvan traditional bow: history of revival and technology for making bows and arrows in modern Tuva
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25178/nit.2024.1.13Keywords:
Tuvans; traditional Tuvan bow; archery; bow manufacturing technology; bowstringAbstract
The article explores the revival process of traditional archery and the technology of manufacturing traditional bows and arrows in Tuva using modern materials, initiated since the 2010s. This form of national triathlon, alongside wrestling (khuresh) and horse racing, was quite popular and widespread in the republic but fell into complete oblivion in the second half of the 20th century.
Efforts to revive this tradition were undertaken by specialists from the Center for the Development of Tuvan Traditional Culture and Crafts. Expeditions were conducted, and master artisans — ethnic Tuvans from Mongolia, who still possessed the technology of crafting Uryanhai bows, were invited. These Mongolian masters subsequently trained local craftsmen. The article provides a detailed description of the technologies involved in making bows, bowstrings, and targets using both modern materials and tools.
Tournaments were organized for archery, which have since been held regularly. Modern forms of traditional Tuvan archery tournaments include shooting at a target while riding and shooting at a target on traditional skis. Since 2021, athletes have been awarded honorary titles in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Tuva on state awards.
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How to Cite
For citation:
Kuular S. N. Shooting from a Tuvan traditional bow: history of revival and technology for making bows and arrows in modern Tuva. New Research of Tuva, 2024, no. 1, pp. 197-212. (In Russ.). DOI: https://doi.org/10.25178/nit.2024.1.13
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Author Biography
Sonamaa N. Kuular, Center for the Development of Tuvan Traditional Culture and Crafts
Head, Department of folk arts and crafts and decorative arts, Center for the Development of Tuvan Traditional Culture and Crafts.
Postal address: 7 Lenina St., 667000, Russia, Kyzyl.
E-mail: s.kuular@gmail.com
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