Archery Hunting History
The history of the bow and arrow tells us much about the nature of man. Archery hunting history shows one use of this weapon, but the history of warfare reveals the other side.
It is known that the bow and arrow developed in the very early days of the history of mankind. Arrowheads have been found and dated to 25,000 years ago while actual bows made of Elm wood have been preserved in bogs in Denmark that date back 11,000 years. The famous “iceman” found remarkably preserved in the Alps carried a bow made from Yew and a quiver of arrows. It is very likely that the bow and arrow evolved from earlier forms of slings and spear throwers. The use of a projectile weapon gave early man a significant edge in his quest for food. Archery hunting formed one half of the history of the bow and arrow.
The bow and arrow would have served a dual purpose from the very beginning. The two most pressing needs of early man would have been to hunt for food and to defend him from being hunted. Man would have had to deal with many predators, but from the very beginning the most dangerous one of all would be his fellow man. It was this combined need that sped the development of archery. A better bow and a better more sure flying arrow was a matter of survival.
This combination of hunting and warfare continued through out the history of man. An innovation in one would enable more success in the other. The early Egyptians, for example, mounted archers in chariots. These fast moving mobile forces were a dominant force on the battlefield, but at the same time, carvings and paintings from ancient tombs show us archers in chariots hunting game. The Parthians were among the early mounted horse archers and in later years, the tribesman of the Asiatic Steppes became a powerful force on the World stage using the combination of horse and bow. Yet, again, these warriors would be able to use their skill and mobility to hunt for food in the open spaces.
The bow and arrow was the important hunting tool for the Indians. The images of the mounted hunter moving among the vast herds of buffalo or the stealthy hunter on foot stalking prey through silent woodlands are popular images of Native American culture. Yet, the bow and arrow was the primary weapon of warfare for them as well until they were able to acquire firearms from the European invaders of their homelands.
Today, archery remains a popular hunting tool although its use in warfare ended with the advent of gunpowder. The use of the bow and arrow has moved more into the world of sport. The legacy of thousands of years when skill with a bow made survival possible is preserved by the people who now see archery as an interesting sport.