Hi! At the moment I'm working on several composite bows. And there is one ancient bow from Gokturks Khaganate period.
This bow were inspired by "Steppen Krieger" book in german language & by good friend of mine german hornbowmaker Ulrich Wellner.
There is a little story ....
Disocvered in 2008 by a Nomad. Cave burial in the Ömnöch Valley of the Zargalant Khairkhan mountains
he found the cave, dicovered the quiver and arrows and bow, then noticed human bones and got frightened because he understood it was an ancient cave burial. so he hid the bow and arrows. Later told the history teacher of his child, which later told to the archaeolgists.
The Zargalant Khairkhan mountains are situated in the middle of the steppe and have always been known as a sacred place to the local nomads. There are many stones / steles (Khirigsuurs) from prehistoric times.
the cave burial is 1866m above sea level and can only be reached by climbing
the archeologists found
bones of a 26 year old 166 cm tall man
he has a healed hole made by a sharp object in left side of his skull (that means he survived the injury)
there are also signs of a survived spine injury (he probably fell on his back)
and skeleton singns that he did a lot of horse riding
cause of death is not known
the accompanying finds (archery stuff, an instrument, textiles)
the finds are dated to 7-8th century
Translated from German language by Uli Wellner.
Materials: Limbs- Mountain Elm (Ulmus Glabra), Syahs - Naturally curved Mountain Elm.
