Self bow

A self bow, in archery, refers to a bow made from a single piece of wood. The entire bow, including the limbs and handle, is fashioned from this one section of timber, as opposed to composite bows which are constructed from multiple materials glued or otherwise bound together, or laminated bows which are made from multiple strips of wood. Self bows are among the oldest forms of bows known to humankind, with archaeological evidence suggesting their use dates back tens of thousands of years.

The process of making a self bow involves selecting a suitable piece of wood, shaping it carefully to achieve the desired draw weight and length, and then meticulously tillering the bow to ensure even bending and efficient energy transfer. Different wood types offer varying qualities in terms of strength, flexibility, and durability, and the choice of wood is crucial to the bow's overall performance. Common woods used for self bows include yew, osage orange, hickory, and elm, depending on geographic location and availability.

The term "self bow" is used to distinguish this type of bow from other bow constructions and highlights its simple, monolithic nature. While self bows can be effective weapons or tools for hunting and recreation, their performance characteristics are often less refined than those of more complex bow designs. The construction of a self bow requires considerable skill and knowledge of wood properties and bow mechanics.