History of the Bow
Archery is one of the oldest arts still practiced today, deeply intertwined with the history of humanity. Originally developed for hunting, it later became a key technique in warfare. The earliest evidence of archery, flint arrowheads, dates back to as far as 20,000 BC. But, it’s likely that bows and arrows were used even earlier.
Distinct styles of bows and techniques emerged across the globe. Japanese bow’s Kyudo, long asymmetric bows with nothing but a wooden bow and a string. The English bow is a long bow made of yew wood that played a pivotal role in establishing military dominance.
Kyudo Archery
With the advent of gunpowder, archery became obsolete in warfare but quickly evolved into a sport.
The first recorded archery competition resembling modern formats took place in England, in 1583, attracting 3,000 participants. Archery made its Olympic debut in 1900 and World Archery was founded to secure the sport’s place in the Olympic program, which was achieved in 1972.
Today, archery remains a captivating blend of history, tradition, and precision, connecting us to the ingenuity and skill of our ancestors.