Composite bow

Composite or 'recurve' bows made of wood, sinew and bone or antler were common on the steppes of the east and in the Byzantine and Islamic worlds. They are evidenced at eastern Viking sites, such as Birka and possibly in the Norman arsenal. They should be restricted to Rus characters.

There is a safety issue as a composite bow will have a greater draw weight than an equivalent ‘long’ bow. Composite bows should have arrows long enough to be drawn to the chest ONLY (about 24"). All arrows must be fitted with rubber 'speed blunts' over a flat ended arrow and have highly visible 'flu-flu' type fletchings. If you wish to use a composite bow (rather than a long ‘self’ bow), please contact the Society Missiles Officer.

The bow should be stored in the quiver, which should be shaped around it, made of stiff fabric or leather, covered with material and highly decorated. Quivers were suspended from the belt at an angle of around 45 degrees.