The Mongolian Composite Bow is made of horn, wood, sinew and fish glue. This was the bow used for archery on horseback in the Mongol Empire and is the same bow used by Mongol archers at Naadam in modern day Mongolia.

Sometimes called a Horse Bow or an Asiatic Horn Bow, this is a similar design as to Scythian, Chinese, Turkish, Tibetan, Indian or Korean bows. It has been used around much of Eurasia continuously for 10,000 years.

The composite bow is made of natural materials maximizing the strengths of each. The sinew backing increases the strength of the bow and the horn belly prevents the wood frame from breaking under the weight of the draw. The unique sayah (or ear), spliced with horn for extra support, allows for a longer draw without stacking. It has a smooth recurve design with distinct rests allowing a sharp arrow release. Only the string and coating differ from the bows used by the mounted archers of the Mongol hordes.

Mongolians measure the strength of the bow by the size of the hand that wields it.

  • A "Medium Hand" bow has an average draw weight of about 35# to 45# and is meant for teens, women, and suitable for mounted archery.
  • A "Big Hand" bow has an average draw weight of about 45# to 55# and is meant for adult men.
"Small Hand" bows for kids, and specific draw weights available by request. Note that these weights are measured at the American standard of 28" though these bows are meant for a longer draw.

Each bow comes complete with a set of 4 horn tipped blunt arrows designed for a Mongolian competition.

Usable for hunting, traditional and primitive archery competitions, horse archery, or just plain practice. This is the only bow allowed for entering the main Khalkha archery competition for Mongolia's Naadam each summer.

These are not reproductions or styled fiberglass. These bows are made by bowyers in Mongolia continuing a living tradition of the most effective form of archery ever seen.

Call for pricing.