Case 10 - Bows

Archery was important in Bronze Age England. We can see this from surviving evidence such as stone arrowheads. Looking to the more recent past, from the Plains of America to the Mongolian Steppes, children were given small bows to master the skills of archery at a very young age. This was probably the case in the Bronze Age.

The miniature antler bow below was originally interpreted by archaeologists as being used by an adult for a votive or religious function. Comparisons with more recent societies provide an alternative: this bow was used by a Bronze Age child.

Miniature bow of antler

University of Cambridge Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology

Bronze Age, 1700 - 1600 BC

Miniature bow shaped from red deer antler. Found in a pit at a Bronze Age settlement,... [Read more...]

Barbed and tanged flint arrowheads

University of Cambridge Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology

Early Bronze Age, 2500 - 1500 BC

Barbed and tanged flint arrowheads are found across western and central Europe. They demonstrate... [Read more...]

Wooden child's bow

University of Cambridge Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology

Late 19th century

Mary Alicia Owen collected this painted wooden bow in Iowa during the late nineteenth century.... [Read more...]

Arrows with metal arrowheads and feathers

University of Cambridge Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology

Late 19th century

Mary Alicia Owen collected these arrows in Iowa during the late nineteenth century. She noted... [Read more...]

Photograph of a boy with a bow and arrows

University of Cambridge Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology

1960-61

Photograph of young boy with a toucan holding a small bow and arrows used to hunt small birds.... [Read more...]