How to make a Neolithic longbow

Top image: Ancient hunting bow.

In this YouTube video, the host takes viewers on a journey to create an English longbow using primitive technology. Starting with a big chunk of flint, the host carefully chips off a tool to craft the longbow. The process to create a Neolithic longbow is a delicate one, as he shapes and smoothes the bow stave using a variety of tools, including ones made from deer antler and flint, paying particular attention to how the stave bends. He explains the process, revealing that he has already spent quite a few hours on this stave.

The host then moves on to the process of creating a bowstring from flax. This task is labor-intensive as he separates the flax fibers by hand, a task he refers to as a 'slow lane.' Once he has enough fibers, he proceeds to spin them into a bowstring. With patience and precision, he demonstrates how to create the loop at the end of the string and ensures it has enough strength to endure the stress of the bow. Once the string is completed, he meticulously cuts notches into the bow to hold the string. He explains that this step is critical to prevent the string from cutting into the bow. Finally, after a careful setup, the Neolithic longbow is strung, marking the completion of a complex and meticulous crafting journey.

 

 

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By Joanna Gillan / Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins

Joanna Gillan is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. For privacy reasons, she has previously written on Ancient Origins under the pen name April Holloway, but is now choosing to use her real name.

Joanna co-founded Ancient Origins with her husband Dr Ioannis Syrigos. Together they immersed themselves in their personal passion for ancient history, mythology and human origins.  She loves learning about and experiencing other cultures and has spent time living in Australia, UK, Greece, Ecuador and Ireland and travelling to hundreds of historic sites around the world.

More about Joanna Gillan

(Source: ancient-origins.net; July 7, 2023; https://tinyurl.com/yd9zhfd9)
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