SIAMESE CROSSBOW ARROW

The History Gift Store Verified independent store

→

19th century. 19 3/8" length. Wood shaft, the butt end with a skillfully folded palm leaf spliced into a split and secured with plant fiber, serving as fletching. The center worked to an oval section stopping with a shoulder about 5 above the tapered point. The wood selected with the pith core running the length and expanding full width one side at the point. That segment allowed absorption of the poison which coated the entire tip and enabled the arrow to quickly bring down the largest game, including elephant. See Glossary of the Construction Decoration and Use of Arms and Armor, Stone p.613. Well preserved and undamaged with good age character. This example never poisoned. Show more