Basically, any ethnic group that exists in the world has its own typicality regarding weapons. For example, the Sundanese in West Java has kujang. Then, the ethnic groups in Aceh also have rencong. The land of Papua also has a variety of typical weapons which are very common here. One of them is Papuan bow.
It is probably one of the most common traditional weapons of Papua that you can easily find here. In fact, most people here have it as their own traditional typical weapon. But, the ingredients, manufacturing methods, and also the name of these weapons vary in each region.
So, these are the types of Papuan bows from various tribes that you need to know!
The Origin
As mentioned earlier, this weapon is one of the common typical weapons in Papua. You can find it in almost all the tribes there. Starting from the Muyu Tribe, Mee Tribe, Dani Tribe, etc. However, each of these has characteristics that differentiate from each other according to the region where it is produced.
How is the Making Process?
Because it literally has its own characteristics that differ from each other, how to make a Papuan bow is also not the same. It is according to the tribes that produce it. For example, the Muyu Tribe uses small trees that are similar to palm trees. Then, they split the tree until it was three fingers wide.
After that, they will form the bow by tying it to each other so that it forms a semicircle. In the middle, they will keep bamboo. Then, they will tie it with gemono strings in such a way, that it will be perfectly shaped. In the culture of the Muyu Tribe, they refer to this traditional bow as Tinim.
In addition, they also have their own arrows that are made of alip or eunuch trees. It is a type of bamboo tree that is available in the forests of Papua. Then, they will forge it with fire so that the arrow will be straight. After that, they will mount bamboo arrows. They refer to this arrow as Ando.
The Muyu Tribe has three different types of arrows according to their use. There is Goem which is a jubi shape of finely sharpened nibung. Then, Kanat is shaped like a double-edged knife. If they install the stem, it becomes Ando Kanat. The last one is Jiripara which is shaped like a jagged spear.
Besides Tinim and Ando which are the typical weapons of the Muyu Tribe, there are also various types of it from other regions in Papua. But, the most popular one is indeed this typical weapon of the Muyu Tribe.
The Purposes
Basically, there are several purposes of the Papuan bow that are common here. As time went by, that purpose also experienced a shift in meaning. In the past, the bow and arrow served as tools for survival. Most native tribes of Papua definitely use it as a tool for hunting and also for war.
Normally, on arrowheads, they would apply poison to increase the effect of the wound. Then, they will use it to hunt pigs and other animals for their food. In addition, they also use it to fight other tribesmen who intrude on their own territory.
However, for now, the purpose has changed. Along with globalization, most tribes in Papua stopped fighting and hunting. Now, they use it as home decorations and also for sports. Sometimes, there are archery competitions that are held by the government or even citizens.
Aside from that, the Papuan bow is also an identity for several tribes in the land of Papua. It is a pride for them. So, it is common for them to bring it on some occasions. It is a sign of identity and not a sign of resistance.
