Recurve Bow
A bow with outward-curving limb tips for greater power
The recurve bow features limb tips that curve away from the archer, storing more energy when drawn than a straight bow of equal size. At 100-150cm, its compact form is ideal for horseback archery. Particularly refined in Central Asia, Korea, and Turkey. Korea's gakgung (horn bow), made from water buffalo horn, bamboo, and ox sinew, is a world-class composite recurve that was central to Joseon Dynasty military examinations. The recurve bow remains the official equipment in modern Olympic archery.
Origin
Believed to have been first developed by Central Asian nomads around 3000 BC. In Korea, it evolved into the gakgung from the Three Kingdoms period. Especially refined in horse-culture regions: Turkey, Hungary, and Persia.
Features
- Limb tips curve away from the archer
- Higher energy storage than equal-sized straight bows
- Compact size (100-150cm) for mounted archery
- Composite construction (horn, wood, sinew)
- Korean gakgung — world-class composite bow
- Official equipment of Olympic archery
Usage
Primary weapon of Central Asian mounted warriors and a core subject in Korean military examinations (mugwa), used for both mounted and foot archery.
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