Saturday 18 April 2020

B.0073 Nigerian Quiver and Arrows



Object Description

                B.0073 is a bamboo quiver with four arrows (Figure 1) from northern Nigeria.  Altogether they artifact is 70 cm long and weighs 264.5 grams.  The arrows are made from iron and bamboo.  Arrows A and B have plant-based wrappings at the end of the bamboo shaft, near the nock, and on the arrowhead’s shaft which help fix it to the bamboo shaft.  Arrows C and D appear to have sinew wrappings instead, but otherwise are of the same design as arrows A and B. 

Figure 1. Quiver and Arrows
Figure 2. X-ray of Arrows A-D

Arrow A (Figure 3) weighs 27 grams and has a length of 71.9 cm. 

Figure 3. Arrow A

 
Arrow B (Figure 4) weighs 28 grams and has a length of 70.9 cm. 

Figure 4. Arrow B

Arrow C (Figure 5) weighs 38 grams and has a length of 71.5 cm. 

Figure 5. Arrow C

Arrow D (Figure 6) weighs 37.5 grams and has a length of 71.1 cm. 

Figure 6. Arrow D

Object Biography and Statement of Significance

            Dr. Michael Garfield Smith, who was the head of the Anthropology Department at UCL from 1969-1975 donated the artifact to the Material Culture Room.  Unfortunately, there is no record of exactly when he donated it to the MCR.  Additionally, it is unknown exactly where and when he acquired the artifact, but he did conduct numerous field research expeditions to northern Nigeria throughout his career. His first trip to Nigeria was from 1949-1950, and again in 58-59, 1972, with the last time being in 77-78.

Throughout history and even up to modern times, the bow and arrow has been an essential party of daily life for many Africa tribes that inhabit the regions of northern Nigeria.  Its chief use is to hunt game and associated goods like animal skins or horns.  Additionally, in some areas tribesmen use bow and arrows to hunt fish in rivers and streams.  Successful hunts brought not only food to the tribe, but helped the chieftain maintain his status.  In addition to hunting, the bow and arrow remains a key aspect of warfare between tribes.  Arrows are also an economic commodity in some areas, as not all tribes have access to blacksmiths to make new arrows. 

Assessment of Condition
                The artifact is in good shape, although the quiver is missing its leather sling.  There is some discoloration from use and exposure to sunlight.  The most obvious issue is corrosion forming on the iron arrowhead (Figure 7), which requires future intervention.  Additionally, the sinew wrappings on arrows C and D are beginning to fray (Figure 8). 
Figure 7. Corrosion on Arrow C

Figure 8. Sinew Wrappings on Arrows C and D





Kallab, M. (ed.), 1994, Testament: Life and Work of M. G. Smith 1921-1993, New York: Research Institute for the Study of Man

Planet Doc, 2014, Hunting Tribes | Tribes & Ethnic Groups, Retrieved on 14 April 2020 from World Wide Web: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hV0oGvAVOx0.

Smith, M.G., 1953, The Social Structure of the Northern Kadara, London: Colonial Social Science Research Council

Smith, M.G., 1955, The Economy of Hausa Communities of Zaria, London: Her Majesty’s Stationery Office for the Colonial Office

Smith, M.G., 1975, Social Organization and Economy in Kagoro, Nigeria: Ahmadu Bello University






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