I recently found an interesting article about the Meare Heath bow. I first read about the 4700 year old bow in "The Traditional Bowyers Bible". I am impressed with the expertise of bowyers from almost 5,000 years ago.

The Meare Heath bow was found in June of 1961, dated 2690 BC ± 120 years, 75” long, 2 5/16” wide, flat belly, convex back. The replica drew 42 lbs at 28?, was accurate up to around 100 yards, and shot a 463 grain arrow (11 gpp) at 141 fps.

The article can be found here: http://www.digitaldigging.net/meare-heath-bow-reconstruction/

Neat article, thank ya

you didnt say how far the bow was drawn,, I have a feeling if you drew a bow that long to a longer draw,, it would shoot harder,, maybe to 31 inches,, for a 28 inche draw 68 would be more effecient,, since know one knows what the bowyers intended draw for the bow was,, one would just be guessing,, Right,,?? but very interesting,,I have read that that type bow was more effecient with a heavier arrow,, not sure if that is true,,, just remember reading it somewhere,,,

So, the Meare Heath Bow and Otzi with bow are about the same age?

Just trying to chronological order in my mind.

I can imagine that original bow had some stories to tell.

Very interesting, thanks for posting the link to the four part article.

Cool.

Thanks for the link.

I knew I had it somewhere .... here's the first published paper on the bow by prof Graham Clark 1963

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