In the past, crossbows were used for self-defense, guarding fields, warding off wild animals that destroyed crops, and hunting to supplement family meals. Skilled crossbowmen were respected by their villagers for their ability to read wind direction, measure distance, and aim arrows accurately using only their eyes and accumulated experience.
In ancient memories, the crossbow also appears in a legendary form, along with the story of the magical crossbow from the early days of nation-building. From legends to bronze arrows discovered through archaeology, it can be seen that our ancestors once crafted powerful bows and crossbows to fight foreign invaders and protect the borders…
Crafting a powerful crossbow with accurate arrow trajectory requires skill and dedication from the artisan. Mr. Ngan Van Huy (a Thai ethnic minority member from Hoa Thanh village, Ea Nuol commune) is known as a "keeper of the flame" for this unique cultural tradition.
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| People in Ea Nuôl commune practice shooting crossbows. |
He recounted that he learned to make crossbows when he was very young. Back then, almost every household had a crossbow. Children grew up surrounded by the sounds of knives sharpening bamboo and the snapping of crossbow strings every afternoon.
To make a good crossbow, the first step is to choose the materials for the body and the bow limbs. The body must be made from a strong, highly elastic wood that won't warp. Once the wood is selected, it can't be used immediately; it must be hung in the kitchen attic to dry for several days to stabilize it, prevent cracking, and ensure durability. While the body provides the shape, the bow limbs are where the power is hidden. The bow limbs are made from a special type of bamboo that is mature enough and has good flexibility.
But what crossbow makers consider the "soul" of the crossbow lies in its smallest part: the trigger. The trigger determines how well the string is drawn and the moment the arrow is released. A good trigger should hold the string securely but release smoothly and cleanly when squeezed, without shaking or jerking. If the trigger is misaligned or has excessive friction, the arrow will lose momentum and change direction.
In the past, crossbow strings were made entirely by hand from hemp fiber. People would cut hemp plants, split them into small pieces, strip the fibers, and then braid many strands into a string. Before use, they would apply a layer of hibiscus leaves to create moisture and increase elasticity. In the middle of the string, they would wrap goose or duck feathers to make the trigger slide more smoothly and prevent the string from breaking.
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| Archery has become a competitive sport in traditional competitions and sports festivals in the border commune of Buôn Đôn. |
The most elaborate part is making the crossbow bolts. The bolts must be whittled from old, solid, and straight bamboo or rattan. After whittling them smooth, the craftsman attaches three small leaf-like fins to the tail to stabilize the flight path. Mr. Huy held an arrow up to his eyes and said, "The bolts may look small, but they are extremely difficult to make. Just a slight deviation and they will never hit the bullseye."
As time passed, the vast forests were strictly protected, and hunting practices faded into the past. However, the crossbow did not disappear. It emerged from hunting expeditions to appear in cultural festivals, ethnic sports events, and traditional sporting competitions.
Here, the crossbow shooting competition always attracts a large number of participants and spectators. The cheers, the sound of drums, and the resounding applause each time an arrow hits the bullseye create an exciting atmosphere, strengthening the solidarity of the village community.
According to Mr. Le Thanh Son, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Buon Don commune, crossbow shooting has become one of the sports that the locality is interested in maintaining. Crossbow shooting is for both men and women, with two events: standing and kneeling, at distances of 20-30 meters. Through cultural festivals and sports competitions, many talented athletes have been discovered and achieved high results.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, some things have left the deep forests but have never disappeared. The crossbow of the great forest is one of them, not only because of the strength of its bamboo frame and drawstring, but also because in every click of the trigger, the memories and hands of those who silently preserve the craft still resonate…
Quynh Anh
Source: https://baodaklak.vn/van-hoa-xa-hoi/van-hoa/202606/chuyen-ke-tu-nhung-chiec-no-5b738ff/
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