The traditional Hungarian bow was made of five materials. Softwood; a glue made from fish air-bladders, called halenyv (fish-glue); sinew; horn and bone. The core was shaped to accommodate the grip, two flexible “karok” or “arms”, and two “szarvak” or “horns” at the ends of the bow. Some research indicates that the wood was first bent under steam opposite to the direction in which it would eventually be drawn.

The back of the bow was strengthened by sinew. This was either done by layering the sinew to the softwood core or by gluing in bundles. (from the book of Kornél Bakay). You can watch a traditional Hungarian archery performance here.

Stumble it!