Small folks, big bows

[Grunt]

Here are some shots of a Andaman islander that is about five feet tall with his bow. The Andaman island are located off the southern tip of Burma. These bows with assorted arrows were used mainly for fishing. Looks like an overbuilt bow out of some kind of palm. Photos were taken from 1906 to 1908.

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[Pat B]

The "S" shape at brace is interesting. I guess it opens up while drawing.   They must be made from a palm or other "whippy" wood.

[snag]

That's what I was thinking Pat...whippy....or maybe it's just a long way to the neighboring island...long shot! haha

[sailordad]

them are very unique bows,and people
someone,awhile back,posted these pics and we discussed the tiller
still find them quite interesting

[Eric Krewson]

That is odd, reflexed on one limb and deflexed on the other.

[Parnell]

Remarkable pictures, for sure.  I can't imagine bracing something like that alone, but guess they wouldn't necessarily have had to.  They're shape is really something.  That second photo of them in the water, the reflection, the shape of the bows and the washed out appearance almost makes it look like it's out of a dream.

[bowmo]

Man, awesome pictures. Thanks for posting them. I have always wondered about these bows. Would love to know why they created a tiller like that. Though when looking at the pictures it looks like the funky lower limb could help keep the bow out of the water when they're using it? I'm pretty sure I'm just grasping at straws though. haha. Such a strange design.

dan

[Bernhard Langbogen]

Thanks for posting. Very interesting.
I can remember to read a articel about indians in Brazil.
They build bows look like the bows from your photo.
The build there bows with palm wood. Hard but not flexibly.
Maybe this is the reason for the length of the bows.

Bernhard