Bow Item Number: 3552/1 a-c from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Small flatbow (part a) and two arrows (parts b-c). Bow is rectangular in shape and has hexagon-shaped string nocks protruding from either end. Bow gently narrows at centre, for grip. Artist inscription written along lower section of bow, on belly. Arrows consist of points inserted into shafts; all parts are made of wood. The points are secured with fibre cord; painted dark red. Nocks are carved into shafts and whipped with fibre cord. Two helical fletch also secured to each shaft with cord, at top and bottom. Cresting along shaft; alternating stripes of red-orange and dark green. Points have thin triangular tips. The longer arrow (part b) has a protruding triangle decoration underneath the point, before flaring into the tang. The other arrow (part c) has no additional decoration. Triangle decoration is painted red-orange, tang painted dark green; other arrow (part c) only has a band of red-orange across the tang.

Narrative

Collected sometime in the 1920s or 1930s by the donors' grandfather, William Mathews, during his steamship travels on the BC coast.