This archers bracer (wrist guard) is from Middle Kingdom Egypt. It is extraordinary that we still have leather artefacts in such good condition from so long ago. There is another of similar design in the collections of Highclere Castle (better known to some of you as Downton Abbey). I used to live nearby and it is the home of the Earls of Canaervon - hence they have a significant Egyptian collection. These bracers puzzle me. From the art it seems apparent that the Ancient Egyptians shot with a thumb release, which places the arrow on the outside (right-hand side) of the bow. Among other reasons this is because there is a different directional torsion on the string when using a thumb draw (counter-clockwise) compared to a finger draw (clockwise). The point being that with a thumb release, I have never found the need to use a bracer. Perhaps some of you have a different experience? Also what exactly is the fastening arrangement? Is that small protuberance at one end a loop? Does the cord pass through this loop to fasten top and bottom? OR does the cord fasten at the upper end only and is this wrapped around the upper end of the forearm? metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/544274?rpp=20&pg=16&ft=deir+el+medina&pos=320
Posted on: Mon, 19 May 2014 18:00:39 +0000
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