Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Bow

A bow is a ranged weapon consisting of an elastic launching device formed by flexible limbs or staves connected by a taut string, designed to store and release mechanical energy to propel long-shafted projectiles known as arrows. This technology represents one of humanity's earliest innovations in projectile weaponry, enabling precise and powerful delivery from a distance.^[1] The bow and arrow system originated during the Middle Stone Age, with the earliest direct evidence of its use dating to approximately 64,000 years ago at Sibudu Cave in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, where stone-tipped points exhibit impact fractures and residues consistent with high-velocity arrow propulsion via bow.^[1] Initially developed for hunting small to medium game in diverse environments, the bow quickly became integral to human survival strategies, spreading across Africa and Eurasia by around 50,000 years ago and later to the Americas around 10,000 years ago. By around 54,000 years ago, it had reached Europe, as evidenced by microlithic points from Grotte Mandrin in France, likely aiding early modern humans in competition with Neanderthals for resources.^[2] Throughout history, the bow evolved into various forms and served as a cornerstone of military tactics in numerous cultures, from composite bows in the ancient Near East and Egypt around 2000–1500 BCE—crafted from layered wood, horn, and sinew for greater power^[3]—to the medieval English longbow, which revolutionized warfare with its range of up to 200 meters and high rate of fire. It remained a dominant battlefield weapon through the Middle Ages and into the early modern period, employed by armies in Asia, Europe, and the Americas for massed volleys and skirmishing, until gradually supplanted by firearms in the 16th and 17th centuries due to superior penetration and ease of training.^[4] Today, bows persist in recreational archery, competitive sports, and limited hunting applications, underscoring their enduring legacy as a pinnacle of pre-industrial engineering.^[5]

Weaponry

Archery bow

An archery bow is a flexible, arc-shaped device designed to propel arrows by storing potential energy in its limbs through tension applied to a bowstring, which is released to transfer that energy kinetically to the arrow.^[6] This mechanism relies on elastic deformation of the bow's structure to achieve propulsion, distinguishing it from rigid projectile weapons.^[7] The primary components of an archery bow include the limbs, which are the upper and lower flexible arms that bend to store and release energy during the draw and shot; the riser, serving as the rigid central handle that connects the limbs and provides mounting points for accessories; the bowstring, a durable cord that spans the limbs and attaches the arrow; the nocking point, a marked position on the string where the arrow's nock is clipped for consistent alignment; and the arrow rest, a small ledge or device on the riser that supports the arrow shaft during aiming and release to prevent contact with the bow.^[6] These elements work in concert to ensure stability, accuracy, and efficient energy transfer, with modern designs often incorporating adjustable features for customization.^[8] Archery bows are categorized into several types based on design and performance characteristics. The longbow features a simple, straight or D-shaped profile with limbs of equal length extending from a central grip, offering straightforward construction and traditional aesthetics but limited power storage compared to curved designs.^[9] The recurve bow has limbs that curve away from the archer at the tips when unstrung, allowing greater energy storage and arrow speed due to the reflexed shape, making it compact and suitable for various shooting environments.^[9] The compound bow employs a system of cams or pulleys at the limb tips connected by cables and strings, which provide a mechanical advantage known as let-off—reducing the holding weight at full draw by 65-80% to enable easier aiming without sacrificing stored energy.^[9] Materials for archery bows have evolved significantly to enhance durability, power, and lightness. Traditional constructions used wood such as yew or elm for the core, often laminated with animal horn on the belly and sinew on the back to create composite structures that resisted breaking under tension.^[10] Modern bows incorporate synthetic materials like fiberglass for limb flexibility and resilience, carbon fiber for high strength-to-weight ratios in risers and limbs, and aluminum or magnesium alloys for rigid, lightweight frames that support accessories and withstand repeated use.^[10] These advancements, particularly in compound bows patented in the 1960s, allow for greater efficiency and customization while maintaining the bow's fundamental elastic properties.^[10] The physics of an archery bow centers on the conversion of muscular effort into projectile motion. Draw weight, measured in pounds of force required to pull the string to full draw (typically 20-70 pounds), determines the potential energy stored, with higher weights yielding greater power at the expense of ease of use.^[7] Draw length, the distance from the bow's rest to the archer's nocking point at full draw (usually 26-32 inches), influences both the leverage applied and the total energy input, as longer draws allow more limb deflection.^[7] For modern compound bows, arrow speeds typically range from 250 to 350 feet per second, results from this energy release and varies inversely with arrow mass; it can be approximated by adjusting baseline speeds for draw length and weight factors.^[7] The kinetic energy imparted to the arrow, crucial for penetration and range, is calculated as

KE = \frac{1}{2} m v^2

where m is the arrow's mass (in slugs or adjusted grains) and v is its velocity in feet per second, typically yielding 40-80 foot-pounds for hunting setups to ensure ethical kills.^[11]^[7] In contemporary applications, archery bows are employed in target archery, where competitors shoot at fixed circular targets from standardized distances up to 70 meters using recurve or compound bows under World Archery rules emphasizing equipment consistency and scoring precision.^[12] Field archery simulates natural terrain by placing targets at varying distances (5-60 meters) and angles across a course, promoting adaptability with bows like recurves or compounds on yellow-and-black faces.^[12] Bowhunting utilizes these bows for ethical game harvest, subject to regulations that treat them akin to firearms in some jurisdictions, requiring safety checks like clear backstops, no dry-firing, proper storage in cases, and avoidance of alcohol; local laws often mandate minimum draw weights (e.g., 40 pounds) and broadhead specifications for humane kills.^[13]^[14]

Historical development

The bow as a weapon originated in the Paleolithic era, with the earliest evidence of bow-and-arrow technology dating to approximately 64,000 years ago in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, at Sibudu Cave, where stone-tipped arrowheads indicate use by early modern humans. This innovation likely spread through human migrations, accompanying Homo sapiens as they dispersed from Africa into Eurasia around 60,000–50,000 years ago, enabling more efficient hunting at a distance compared to spears. In ancient civilizations, self-bows—simple wooden bows carved from a single stave—emerged prominently in Egypt by around 3000 BCE, constructed from materials like acacia or imported woods and used in hunting and warfare, as depicted in tomb reliefs and evidenced by preserved artifacts. Concurrently, composite bows appeared in Mesopotamia and among Scythian nomads by the late 3rd millennium BCE, laminating wood with animal horn on the belly and sinew on the back for greater power and compactness, revolutionizing archery in the Near East and steppes. Key innovations included the Asiatic composite recurve bow, optimized for horseback archery and adopted by the Huns in the 4th–5th centuries CE and the Mongols from the 13th century, featuring pronounced curves for stored energy and ease of use by mounted warriors, which facilitated rapid conquests across Eurasia.^[15] In medieval Europe, the English longbow, a tall self-bow of yew wood typically 6 to 7 feet (1.8 to 2.1 m) in length, proved decisive in battles like Agincourt in 1415, where English archers' massed volleys decimated French knights despite numerical inferiority. The bow's dominance in warfare waned in the 16th–17th centuries as firearms, such as matchlock muskets, offered superior range and penetrating power with less training required, leading to its phased replacement in European and Asian armies. A revival occurred in the 19th century as a sport, spearheaded by Horace Ford, an English archer who won consecutive national championships from 1849 to 1857 and authored influential texts promoting target archery, transforming it into a gentlemanly pursuit. The bow held profound cultural significance, symbolizing divine prowess in Greek mythology through Apollo, the archer god whose silver bow inflicted plagues and protected oracles, as recounted in Homeric epics. In indigenous practices, Native American tribes like the Lakota and Osage crafted self-bows from osage orange or hickory for hunting buffalo and warfare, embedding them in rituals and storytelling as emblems of skill and harmony with nature.^[16] The evolution of bow types reflects technological progression: from Paleolithic self-bows of flexible wood, to Bronze Age recurved composites for enhanced draw weight, culminating in 20th-century compound bows with pulleys for mechanical advantage, though the latter ties briefly to modern material advancements in recreational archery.

Music

Instrument bow

The instrument bow is a taut, flexible rod equipped with rosined horsehair stretched between a stick and a frog, used to produce sound on stringed instruments by creating friction that causes the strings to vibrate.^[17] This friction-based mechanism allows for nuanced control over tone, volume, and articulation, distinguishing it from plucking or striking methods. The bow's development traces back to 11th-century Europe, where early curved bows resembling hunting bows were used with the fiddle (or vielle), a medieval bowed string instrument. By the 17th century, as the violin family emerged, bow design evolved toward greater strength and elasticity to match the instruments' increased tension; French bowmaker François Tourte (1747–1835) perfected the modern form around 1780–1800, introducing a concave curve, standardized dimensions, and optimal balance for expressive playing.^[18] This design, still in use today, marked a shift from the transitional bows of the Baroque era. Key components include the stick, typically made from pernambuco wood (Caesalpinia echinata) for its resilience and elasticity, though the species is now critically endangered and subject to strict export regulations as of 2025, with Brazil proposing a CITES Appendix I listing that could further limit availability; alternatives like brazilwood or carbon fiber are increasingly used.^[17]^[19] The hair, usually from Siberian horse tails for its strength and grip, is clamped at the frog (often ebony or synthetic ivory) and the tip, then tensioned via a screw mechanism.^[20] Rosin, a resin applied to the hair, provides the essential stickiness for friction; without it, the bow would glide silently over the strings.^[21] Bows vary by instrument: a standard violin bow measures about 70–75 cm in length and weighs approximately 60 g, enabling agile strokes, while a cello bow is slightly shorter (around 70–73 cm) but heavier (77–84 g) to accommodate the larger strings and lower tension.^[22]^[23] Modern innovations include carbon fiber bows, which offer durability, consistent weight, and resistance to humidity changes without sacrificing playability.^[24] Playing techniques rely on manipulating bow pressure, speed, and point of contact to shape tone; for instance, increased pressure yields a fuller, louder sound, while faster bow speed produces brighter articulation.^[25] Common strokes include détaché, a smooth but separate stroke for even notes; legato, slurring multiple notes in one continuous motion for fluidity; and spiccato, a controlled bounce off the string for staccato effect.^[26] Maintenance is crucial for optimal performance; the hair should be rehaired every 3–6 months for regular players to prevent stretching or dirt buildup, which diminishes grip.^[27] Rosin types include light (harder, for violin and viola, offering clarity) and dark (softer, for cello, providing warmth), applied sparingly to avoid excess dust on the instrument.^[28] The instrument bow evolved as a refined tool from the simpler musical bow, serving as a precursor in the development of bowed string playing.^[29]

Musical bow instrument

The musical bow is a simple chordophone consisting of a flexible wooden stave, typically 1.5 to 3 meters long, with a single taut string—often made of gut, wire, or plant fiber—stretched between its ends to produce sound when the string is plucked, struck, or tapped with a stick.^[30] This instrument relies on the vibration of the string, amplified by natural resonators like the player's body or attached objects, and belongs to the broader category of bar zithers.^[31] Its origins trace back to prehistoric times in Africa, with depictions in southern African rock art dating back several thousand years, such as around 3,500–2,000 years ago, suggesting early ritual or social uses.^[32] Among the San (Bushmen) people of the Central Kalahari in Botswana and Namibia, the instrument has been a longstanding traditional tool for melodic and rhythmic expression, often integrated into hunting or storytelling contexts.^[33]^[34] Variants of the musical bow vary by region and resonator type, including the frame bow, which uses a gourd or calabash attached to the stave for enhanced volume and tonal richness, common in West and Central African traditions. The mouth bow employs the player's oral cavity as a variable resonator, allowing pitch modulation through mouth shape changes, as seen in southern African and Amazonian indigenous practices. A notable example is the berimbau of Brazil, derived from African roots via the transatlantic slave trade, featuring a wooden verga bow, steel arame string, and cabaça gourd resonator, central to capoeira rhythms. Playing techniques emphasize simplicity and versatility: the string is commonly struck with a thin stick (verga or dobrão) for percussive attacks, plucked with fingers for sustained tones, or frictionally bowed using a secondary resin-coated stick to excite vibrations.^[35] These methods enable the selection of notes from the harmonic series, where the player shortens the vibrating string length via pressure points or mouth positioning to access overtones up to the eighth harmonic, creating melodic patterns from a single fundamental pitch.^[35] In sub-Saharan African cultures, the musical bow serves profound ritual functions, symbolizing spiritual connections in ceremonies among groups like the Zulu (umakhweyane) and Xhosa (uhadi), where it accompanies epic songs and trance-inducing performances.^[36] In Appalachian folk traditions of the United States, the mouth bow functions as a portable accompaniment for ballads and dances, sharing acoustic principles with the jaw harp through oral resonance but using a longer string for deeper tones.^[37] Modern world music adaptations revive the instrument in fusion genres, such as berimbau-driven capoeira ensembles and experimental tracks by artists blending African bows with electronic elements.^[38] Acoustically, the musical bow's sound arises from transverse waves on the taut string, with the fundamental frequency determined by the formula f = \frac{1}{2L} \sqrt{\frac{T}{\mu}}, where L is the string length, T is the tension, and \mu is the linear mass density; this base frequency sets the pitch, while harmonics emerge from fractional standing waves, modulated by the resonator.^[39] The instrument's early design laid groundwork for the evolution of more complex bowed string instruments.

Nautical and structural

Ship's bow

The bow of a ship is the forward-most part of the hull, extending from the waterline to the stem, and is primarily designed to part the water efficiently as the vessel moves forward. This region, often pointed or tapered, initiates contact with the surrounding water and influences the overall hydrodynamic performance of the craft. In naval architecture, the bow's shape is critical for minimizing resistance and ensuring stability, with its design varying based on the ship's intended speed, cargo, and operational environment.^[40]^[41] Historically, ship's bows evolved from the clinker-built construction of Viking longships, which featured overlapping planks for flexibility and prows often adorned with dragon heads for both intimidation and symbolic protection during voyages. These designs emphasized shallow drafts and upward-curving stems to navigate shallow waters and coastal raids effectively. By the 19th century, the transition to clipper ships introduced more pronounced raked bows, such as the Aberdeen clipper bow, which curved sharply forward to enhance speed and slicing through waves, marking a shift toward sleeker, faster merchant vessels optimized for global trade routes.^[42]^[43]^[44]^[45] Modern bow designs incorporate specialized elements to optimize performance. A bulbous bow, a protruding bulb near the waterline, reduces wave-making resistance by generating counteracting waves that interfere destructively with those from the hull, potentially lowering fuel consumption by up to 15% at typical cruising speeds. Raked bows, slanted forward from the vertical, improve speed by allowing smoother water entry, while flared bows, which widen outward above the waterline, enhance stability and reduce spray in rough seas. In hydrodynamics, these features leverage Bernoulli's principle, where faster fluid flow over curved surfaces creates pressure differences that minimize drag along the hull. Wave-making resistance is further quantified using the Froude number, defined as Fr = \frac{V}{\sqrt{gL}}, where V is the ship's speed, g is gravitational acceleration, and L is the waterline length; values around 0.25 to 0.4 indicate peak wave resistance that bow designs aim to mitigate.^[40]^[46]^[47]^[48] Contemporary vessels often include advanced bow features tailored to specific roles. Icebreakers employ reinforced, wedge-shaped bows with shallow rakes to ride up onto ice floes and fracture them under the ship's weight, enabling passage through polar regions. Naval ships may integrate sonar domes within or alongside bulbous bows, housing underwater acoustic arrays for detection while maintaining hydrodynamic efficiency, as these domes are positioned to minimize additional resistance. For safety, bow thrusters—propellers mounted transversely in tunnels within the bow—provide lateral maneuvering control in confined waters, improving docking precision without relying solely on the main engines. Additionally, collision bulkheads, watertight barriers located at least 5% of the ship's length from the forward perpendicular as per SOLAS regulations, compartmentalize the forward compartment to prevent flooding from frontal impacts, preserving buoyancy and crew safety.^[49]^[50]^[51]^[52]

Architectural bow

In architecture and engineering, an architectural bow refers to a curved structural element, such as an arch or bend, used in buildings, bridges, or other constructions to distribute loads efficiently while providing aesthetic appeal. These elements, often inspired by natural curves, allow for spanning wide openings without intermediate supports, enhancing both functionality and visual harmony. Common examples include bow windows, which project outward in a curved bay, and bowstring trusses, which feature a parabolic upper chord mimicking the shape of a drawn bow.^[53]^[54] Historically, curved arches appeared prominently in Roman engineering, where rounded stone arches formed the backbone of aqueducts like the Pont du Gard, enabling water transport across valleys by efficiently transferring compressive forces downward. In medieval Gothic architecture, bowed or ribbed vaults—composed of intersecting arched ribs—facilitated load distribution in cathedrals, allowing taller interiors and expansive naves by channeling weight to buttresses. By the 19th century, iron and steel enabled more refined applications, as seen in the Bow Bridge in New York City's Central Park, constructed between 1859 and 1862 with a graceful cast-iron arch spanning 60 feet (total length 87 feet) over the Lake. Bowstring trusses, patented in forms like Squire Whipple's 1841 design, gained popularity from 1900 to 1950 for industrial roofs, using timber or steel to achieve spans of 50 to 100 feet.^[55]^[56]^[54] Key types include the bowstring truss, where a tension tie replaces vertical members to form a tied arch configuration, and the bow window, a semi-circular projection of multiple window panels that extends living space outward. Engineering analysis of these curved beams accounts for non-uniform stress distribution, with inner fibers experiencing higher tensile stresses and outer fibers higher compression compared to straight beams; the Winkler-Bach theory adjusts the flexure formula to σ = (M y)/(A e (r_n - y)), where σ is stress, M bending moment, y distance from neutral axis, A cross-sectional area, e distance between centroidal and neutral axes, and r_n neutral radius. Materials typically include timber for early bowstring trusses, laminated for parabolic curves, or steel for modern durability against shear and flexural loads.^[57]^[58] Notable examples extend to contemporary uses, such as the curved shells of the Sydney Opera House, which employ precast concrete segments forming sail-like roofs supported by bow-like arches for expansive, unsupported interiors. These designs offer advantages in aesthetics, creating fluid lines that integrate with landscapes, and in structural efficiency, minimizing material use while maximizing clear spans for open interiors.^[59]

Knots and fastenings

Bowline knot

The bowline knot is a fundamental loop knot that forms a fixed, secure noose at the end of a rope, designed to maintain its shape without slipping under load.^[60] This makes it ideal for applications requiring a reliable, non-tightening loop, such as securing lines to anchors or objects.^[60] Unlike running knots, the bowline creates a stable eye that resists constriction, providing consistent performance in tension.^[61] To tie the bowline, begin by forming a small overhand loop in the standing part of the rope, approximately twice the size of the desired finished loop—this is the "rabbit hole."^[60] Pass the working end upward through the loop (the rabbit emerges from the hole), wrap it clockwise around the standing part (around the tree), and then thread it back down through the original loop (returning to the hole).^[60] Pull the standing part to tighten the knot, adjusting the loop size as needed while ensuring the working end lies parallel to the standing part.^[60] The bowline exhibits several key properties that contribute to its versatility: it remains easy to untie even after sustaining heavy loads, achieves a strength efficiency of 70-80% of the rope's original tensile strength, and does not jam or bind under strain.^[62]^[63] Historically, it has been employed in maritime settings since at least the early 17th century for rigging sails and preventing them from being "taken aback" by wind, as documented in nautical practices of the period.^[64] In modern climbing, it is commonly used to form harness loops, though its simplicity demands careful inspection.^[61] Variations of the bowline expand its utility for specific scenarios. The Dutch bowline, also called the cowboy bowline, modifies the standard form by passing the tail in the opposite direction around the standing end, offering improved resistance to certain directional pulls.^[61] The bowline on a bight creates two parallel loops in the middle of a rope without requiring access to the ends, useful for rescue operations or creating multiple attachment points.^[61] For safety, the bowline is not recommended as a standalone knot for critical life-support systems in climbing or rescue without additional backups, such as a stopper knot on the tail or a Yosemite finish, to prevent potential loosening under dynamic loads.^[65]^[66] Always leave an adequate tail length—typically at least 18 inches for half-inch rope—and visually confirm the knot's structure before loading.^[61]

Bow tie and ribbon bow

A bow tie and ribbon bow refer to symmetrical decorative forms created by folding and tying ribbon or fabric into loops and tails, often used for ornamental purposes in fashion, gifts, and accessories.^[67] Ribbon bows trace their origins to the 17th-century French royal court under Louis XIV, where they served as elegant accents on clothing and jewelry, symbolizing love and marriage.^[67] The bow tie, evolving from knotted neckerchiefs worn by Croatian mercenaries during the Thirty Years' War in the 1600s, gained popularity in the 1880s as a formal menswear alternative to the ascot, particularly with the rise of the tuxedo.^[68]^[69] Common types of bow ties include the butterfly, characterized by curved outer edges for a classic flared look; the batwing, featuring straight, slim ends for a modern silhouette; and the diamond-point, with pointed tips adding a vintage elegance.^[70] Ribbon bows extend to hair accessories, such as grosgrain styles prevalent in cheerleading uniforms for their durability and team-color customization.^[71] These bows are typically constructed from materials like silk for a smooth sheen, velvet for a plush texture, or grosgrain ribbon for stiffness that holds shape.^[72] Tying methods vary; for instance, a four-loop gift bow involves crossing the ribbon ends, forming equal loops on each side, and securing with a central knot to create balanced proportions.^[73] In cultural contexts, bow ties feature prominently in weddings as symbols of formality and sophistication, often worn by grooms and attendants in black-tie attire.^[74] Ribbon bows adorn holiday gift wrapping, a tradition rooted in 17th- and 18th-century European customs of tying ribbons to signify celebration and secrecy.^[75] They also serve as uniform accessories, like large bows in Soviet-era schoolgirl outfits to denote youth and conformity, or in modern cheerleading and school ensembles for aesthetic unity.^[76] Contemporary variants include pre-tied bow ties, which arrive fully knotted for convenience and attach via a neck band, and adjustable clip-on designs that use metal clips or elastic for easy fitting without tying.^[77] Unlike functional knots such as the bowline, these emphasize aesthetics over security.^[70]

Places

United Kingdom

The name "Bow" for various places in the United Kingdom derives from the Old English word boga, meaning an arch, bend, or bow, often referring to a curved bridge, river bend, or arched feature in the landscape.^[78] Bow in London is a district in the East End, within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, situated approximately 4.6 miles east of Charing Cross. Its origins trace to the medieval period, when the area was known as Stratford-at-Bow, named after a bow-shaped stone bridge constructed over the River Lea in the early 12th century, a medieval stone bridge with seven sweeping arches, one of the earliest of its kind in England after the Roman period. This bridge replaced an earlier Roman causeway and wooden crossing at the Old Ford, facilitating trade and settlement growth in what was then a rural hamlet. The district played a role in historical upheavals, including the Tudor period. In modern times, Bow is closely connected to the neighboring Stratford area, benefiting from shared transport infrastructure such as the London Overground and proximity to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, which has driven urban regeneration and economic development in Tower Hamlets.^[79]^[80]^[81] Bow in Devon is a village located in Mid Devon, approximately eight miles west of Crediton and near the border with West Devon, set in undulating countryside close to Dartmoor National Park. Its history is linked to early Saxon settlements in the region, with the village emerging as a street settlement along an ancient road between Crediton and Okehampton, centered around an arched bridge that gave it its name from Old English boga. Documented as a Saxon-era community, it features historic buildings dating from the late 16th to 19th centuries, reflecting continuous rural development. The 2021 census recorded a population of 1,120 residents, underscoring its small-scale, agricultural character.^[82]^[83]^[84] Bow in Somerset is a small hamlet situated near Yeovil in the Yeovil Without parish, part of the broader ecclesiastical parish historically tied to the Church of England. Known locally as Yeovil Bow or Gallows Bow by the late 18th century, it was a modest rural settlement with ties to local agriculture and stone extraction. The area gained prominence in the 19th century due to nearby quarries yielding Yeovil Stone (Beacon Limestone), used in regional construction including churches and walls in Yeovil, with operations dating back to Roman times but intensifying during the Industrial era for building materials.^[85]^[86]^[87] Another notable Bow in the UK is found in County Durham, where Bowburn serves as an example of an industrial mining community developed in the early 20th century. Located about three miles southeast of Durham City, Bowburn originated as a colliery village around the Bowburn Colliery, which began shaft sinking in 1906 and operated until 1967, contributing to the region's coal production peak in the early 20th century amid the Durham Coalfield's extensive mining heritage. This site exemplifies the industrial transformation of northern English landscapes, with over 170,000 miners employed county-wide by 1923. The 2021 census recorded a population of 4,840.^[88]^[89]^[90] These UK places named Bow highlight contrasts between urban and rural settings: London's Bow represents a densely populated, multicultural East End hub with over 300,000 residents in Tower Hamlets and a service-based economy driven by regeneration, while the Devonian, Somerset, and Durham examples reflect historically agrarian or extractive communities with populations ranging from 1,120 to 4,840, emphasizing traditional rural economies amid declining industries like mining. Such naming patterns influenced colonial settlements in North America, where places like Bow, New Hampshire, adopted similar etymologies from English immigrants seeking familiar arched or bent geographical features.^[85]

North America

In North America, several places bear the name "Bow," often deriving from the curved shape of rivers or imported from British naming conventions. These locations span the United States and Canada, reflecting colonial settlement patterns, natural geography, and indigenous influences.^[78]^[91] Bow is a town in Merrimack County, New Hampshire, United States, chartered in 1727 as part of the colonial expansion in the region. The name originates from the bow-like curve of the Merrimack River near the settlement site, south of Concord. With a population of approximately 8,229 as of the 2020 census, it serves as a suburban community with historical ties to agriculture and milling along the river. The town is notable for Garvin Falls Dam, a hydroelectric structure on the Merrimack River named after early settler Patrick Garvin, who arrived in the 1740s and established operations there; the dam, built in the 19th century, supports local power generation and recreation. Bow also hosts an annual fall festival celebrating its rural heritage, featuring local crafts, music, and community events.^[92]^[93]^[94] In the Pacific Northwest, Bow is an unincorporated community in Skagit County, Washington, situated near Samish Bay and overlooking the coastal lowlands. Its history is rooted in early logging operations, with the area serving as a hub for timber extraction starting in the late 19th century, including mills and rail lines that transported logs to nearby ports; indigenous Noo-wha-ah villages predated European settlement, contributing to the region's cultural layers. The population remains small, under 500 residents as estimated in recent projections, maintaining a rural character amid surrounding farmlands and forests.^[95]^[96] The most prominent North American feature named Bow is the Bow River in Alberta, Canada, a major waterway originating in the Canadian Rockies at Bow Lake and flowing 625 kilometers eastward through the province. Named from the Blackfoot (Peigan) term Makhabn, meaning "river where bow reeds grow," as the reeds along its banks were used by Indigenous peoples to craft bows, the river holds deep cultural significance, with Blackfoot connections to the surrounding Bow Valley as a traditional territory for hunting and trade. It plays a vital role in Calgary's economy, providing water for over 1.6 million residents in the Bow Basin, supporting irrigation, industry, and hydropower that underpins urban growth. The Bow Valley Parkway, a scenic route parallel to the Trans-Canada Highway between Banff and Lake Louise, draws tourists for its views of wildlife, mountains, and river ecosystems, boosting regional ecotourism. However, the river poses environmental challenges, including flood risks exacerbated by glacial melt and heavy rains, as evidenced by major inundations in 2013 that prompted extensive hazard mapping and mitigation efforts along 72 kilometers of its course.^[97]^[98]^[99]^[100]^[101]^[102] Other minor places include Bow, Kentucky, an unincorporated community in Cumberland County tied to local river features. Overall, North American "Bow" names frequently reference hydrological curves, echoing etymological patterns from British sources where the term denotes arches or bends in landscapes. Indigenous ties, such as the Blackfoot's historical use of the Bow River valley, underscore pre-colonial environmental stewardship amid modern flood vulnerabilities.

Manufacturing and materials

Bow porcelain

The Bow porcelain factory, established in 1744 in the Stratford-le-Bow district of East London by Irish artist Thomas Frye and Welsh clothier Edward Heylyn, was among the earliest English enterprises to produce soft-paste porcelain on a commercial scale.^[103]^[104] The 1744 patent specified a formula using 'unaker' (Cherokee) clay imported from America, though production later shifted to local materials including bone ash.^[105] Initially backed by investors including the Peers family, the factory—known as "New Canton"—aimed to rival imported Chinese ceramics by manufacturing affordable wares for middle-class consumers.^[106] Production began around 1748, following a 1744 patent for soapstone-based porcelain, though the works quickly shifted to a more practical formula.^[104] The factory reached its peak in the 1750s, employing up to 300 workers, before closing in 1776 amid financial strains and intensifying competition from rivals like Worcester, whose more durable porcelains captured greater market share.^[107]^[108] Bow's production relied on soft-paste porcelain made with a pioneering bone ash formula developed by Frye around 1749, incorporating up to 45% calcined bone ash mixed with silica, ball clay, and gypsum to achieve greater strength, whiteness, and translucency compared to earlier frit-based pastes used at Chelsea.^[106]^[103] Pieces were molded from this chalky, porous body, then glazed and fired at lower temperatures than true hard-paste porcelain, allowing for intricate shapes but making them susceptible to hot water damage—a limitation that contributed to economic challenges.^[107] Decorations involved underglaze blue printing for bold Chinese-inspired motifs, followed by overglaze polychrome enamels in famille rose styles, applied by hand by specialized painters.^[104]^[109] Identification often relies on marks such as the red-painted "snowman" (a stylized anchor and dagger resembling a snowman figure, used circa 1750–1760) or incised "A" symbols on early wares.^[106] Key products included ornamental figures, such as the modeled "blind fiddler" depicting a street musician with a hurdy-gurdy, and pastoral groups like shepherd and shepherdess pairs, often standing on rococo bases with floral accents.^[107] Tablewares featured practical items like plates, tureens, and inkwells with chinoiserie designs—pagodas, rivers, and golfers—many inscribed "Made at New Canton" to evoke exotic origins.^[104]^[109] These items prioritized volume over luxury, producing thousands of modest pieces for domestic use. The factory's innovations, particularly Frye's bone ash integration, laid foundational techniques for later English bone china, influencing subsequent manufacturers and establishing soft-paste as a viable alternative to costly imports.^[103]^[106] Its legacy endures in museum collections and among collectors, where rare intact figures or marked tablewares command high values at auction; for instance, exceptional pieces have sold for over £40,000 in recent sales, reflecting their historical significance and scarcity due to high breakage rates during production.^[110] Archaeological excavations at the original site along Stratford High Street—notably in 2006—uncovered kilns, wasters, and molds, providing tangible evidence of the factory's operations and paste compositions.^[111]^[112]

Other crafted bows

Hair bows and accessories trace their origins to the Victorian era, where small ribbon bows were commonly used by both girls and boys to secure ringlets and keep hair out of the face during daily activities.^[113] By the late 19th century, these evolved into more elaborate adornments for hair and dresses, reflecting the period's emphasis on ornate femininity.^[114] In contemporary fashion, hair bows are crafted from synthetic materials such as polyester satin and grosgrain ribbons, offering durability and a wide color palette for versatile styling.^[115] These accessories remain prominent in subcultures like Lolita fashion, a Japanese style originating in the 1990s with roots in 1980s brands, that incorporates Victorian-inspired elements, including oversized bows on headwear to evoke doll-like modesty and cuteness.^[116] Industrial applications of crafted bows include bow saws, which feature a metal frame shaped like a bow to tension a coarse, wide blade for efficient crosscutting in woodworking.^[117] This design, rooted in early modern European traditions with mentions from the late 17th century, allows for precise cuts in timber and remains a staple tool for carpenters due to its lightweight construction and versatility in rough or curved work.^[118] Complementing this, the bow drill represents one of humanity's earliest rotary tools, with evidence of its use in ancient Egypt dating to the New Kingdom (ca. 1550–1077 BCE), where a bowstring rotated a spindle against a workpiece for drilling holes in stone and wood.^[119] The tool's simple mechanism—a bowed frame, cord, spindle, and flywheel—enabled prehistoric and ancient cultures to bore precise perforations for beads, tools, and fire-starting, demonstrating early ingenuity in mechanical advantage.^[120] Decorative crafts often incorporate wreath bows, fashioned from wired ribbons to add festive accents to seasonal door hangings and garlands, a practice that builds on centuries-old traditions of ribbon embellishment for holidays and ceremonies.^[121] Similarly, replicas of archery bows serve as artistic pieces, hand-carved or assembled from wood and composites to mimic historical designs, displayed in galleries or homes as sculptural homages to ancient weaponry and craftsmanship.^[122] Modern manufacturing processes for crafted bows emphasize efficiency and customization, such as polymer injection molding for toy bows, where molten plastic is injected into precision molds to produce lightweight, durable play versions at scale.^[123] This technique allows for intricate shapes and vibrant colors, bridging design prototyping with high-volume output for consumer markets.^[124] For bespoke items, 3D printing enables the creation of custom bows using high-performance polymers or metals, facilitating rapid iteration in shapes for both functional tools and decorative replicas.^[125] In the 20th and 21st centuries, developments in bow crafting have prioritized sustainability, exemplified by eco-friendly bamboo bows produced in Asia, where the renewable grass is laminated and shaped into resilient archery limbs that reduce environmental impact compared to traditional woods.^[126] Mass production of such bows has surged in countries like China and South Korea, leveraging advanced lamination techniques and abundant bamboo resources to meet global demand for both sporting and decorative items.^[127] A notable example is Olympic archery bow manufacturing, where recurve bows adhere to World Archery standards using laminated carbon fiber and foam cores for limbs, ensuring draw weights up to 50 pounds and overall lengths of 66-72 inches for optimal performance in competition.^[128] These bows must comply with rules limiting arrow shaft diameters to 9.3 mm and prohibiting excessive modifications, promoting fairness in elite events.^[129]

Other uses

Gesture of respect

A bow as a gesture of respect involves inclining the head or upper body forward, with the depth of the incline varying by context and culture, such as a shallow 15-degree nod for casual greetings or a deeper 45-degree bend for formal deference.^[130] This non-verbal act serves primarily to convey reverence, gratitude, or acknowledgment without physical contact.^[131] The practice traces its roots to ancient rituals in China, where bowing emerged over 3,000 years ago as a means of expressing humility and respect, as evidenced in Confucian texts from the 6th century BCE that describe salutes to superiors.^[132] It spread to Japan in the 7th century CE, evolving into the formalized ojigi system, which includes graded bows like keirei (a 30- to 45-degree formal bow for respect in ceremonies) and saikeirei (a profound 45-degree or deeper bow for utmost deference or apology).^[133] Globally, bowing manifests in diverse forms: in 17th-century European courts, it became a stylized male gesture of obeisance, often accompanied by hat removal to signal hierarchy during audiences with royalty.^[134] In India, the namaste combines pressed palms at chest or forehead level with a slight head bow, symbolizing recognition of the divine in others as a greeting or farewell rooted in Hindu and yogic traditions.^[135] Among Muslims, ruku during salah prayer entails a forward bow from the standing position, with hands on knees and back parallel to the ground, representing submission to God as prescribed in Islamic texts.^[136] Bowing fulfills key social functions, including signaling hierarchy—where subordinates incline more deeply than superiors—and expressing apology, as a deeper bow conveys remorse in interpersonal conflicts. In theater, performers execute curtain-call bows to acknowledge audience appreciation, fostering a reciprocal bond of gratitude and vulnerability at the performance's close.^[137] In modern contexts, bowing persists in diplomatic protocols, such as subtle head inclines during international summits to bridge cultural norms without handshakes.^[130] It remains integral to martial arts etiquette, like dojo bows in karate or judo, where practitioners incline toward instructors or partners to affirm mutual respect before and after training.^[138] Etiquette guides worldwide emphasize its role in professional settings, advising graduated depths to navigate social hierarchies appropriately.^[139] Psychologically, bowing functions as non-verbal communication that signals submission or esteem, activating schemas of politeness and enhancing perceptions of the bow-er's attractiveness and trustworthiness in cross-cultural interactions.^[140]

Rainbow and optics

A rainbow is a meteorological phenomenon manifesting as a multicolored arc in the sky, resulting from the refraction, internal reflection, and dispersion of sunlight through suspended water droplets in the atmosphere. This optical effect produces a spectrum of colors due to the varying refractive indices of water for different wavelengths of light, with the arc centered on the antisolar point—the direction opposite the sun—and spanning an angular radius of approximately 42° from this point.^[141] The physics of rainbow formation begins with sunlight entering a spherical raindrop, where it undergoes refraction, bending toward the normal due to the drop's higher refractive index, followed by total internal reflection off the inner surface and a second refraction upon exiting, which disperses the light into its spectral components. Dispersion arises because shorter wavelengths, like violet (deviated by about 42°), refract more than longer ones, such as red (deviated by about 40°), resulting in the characteristic order of colors from red on the outer edge to violet on the inner. The primary rainbow forms from one internal reflection, while a secondary rainbow, fainter and higher in the sky, arises from two reflections and displays reversed colors; between them lies Alexander's dark band, a region of suppressed light intensity where rays are not redirected toward the observer.^[141]^[142] Historically, rainbows held mythological significance, such as in Greek lore where they were regarded as a pathway formed by the goddess Iris to connect earth and the divine realm. Scientific understanding advanced with the 11th-century work of Ibn al-Haytham, who described the rainbow as an image produced by refraction and reflection within raindrops, akin to a concave mirror, in his treatise Maqala fi al-Hala wa Qaws Quzah.^[143] This laid groundwork for later developments, including Isaac Newton's 1666 experiments with prisms, which demonstrated that white light decomposes into a spectrum of colors through dispersion, providing a foundational explanation for the rainbow's coloration.^[144] Various types of rainbows occur depending on conditions: fogbows are pale, nearly white arcs formed by diffraction in tiny fog or cloud droplets smaller than raindrops, lacking distinct colors due to minimal dispersion; moonbows, or lunar rainbows, are faint nighttime versions produced by moonlight refracting in raindrops, often appearing white to the eye despite spectral composition; and supernumerary rainbows consist of closely spaced, pastel interference fringes inside the primary bow, arising from wave interference in uniform droplets.^[145] For optimal observation, rainbows appear when the sun is behind the viewer at a low altitude, with the primary arc visible at about 42° elevation from the horizon under clear post-rain skies; double rainbows, when present, feature the secondary arc at around 51° with colors inverted, requiring sufficient droplet size and illumination for visibility. Related atmospheric optical phenomena include halos, iridescent rings around the sun or moon caused by refraction through ice crystals in high clouds, and glories, concentric colored rings surrounding an observer's shadow on clouds or fog, resulting from backscattering in water droplets. Rainbows occur more frequently in tropical regions, where abundant rainfall and sunlight alignment enhance formation opportunities compared to drier or higher-latitude climates.^[146]^[147]^[148]

References

[1]
Bow-and-arrow, technology of the first modern humans in Europe ...
Feb 22, 2023 · Here, we present the earliest evidence for bow-and-arrow technology in Eurasia from Layer E of Grotte Mandrin in Mediterranean France. These ...
[2]
Indications of bow and stone-tipped arrow use 64 000 years ago in ...
Jan 2, 2015 · Indications of bow and stone-tipped arrow use 64 000 years ago in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa - Volume 84 Issue 325.
[3]
Bows and arrows and complex symbolic displays ... - PubMed Central
Jun 12, 2020 · Here, we describe evidence for bow-and-arrow hunting toolkits alongside a complex symbolic repertoire from 48,000 years before present at the ...Missing: sources | Show results with:sources
[4]
Composite Bow Revealed as Deadliest Weapon of the Bronze Age
Oct 29, 2025 · New archaeological study reveals composite bow as Bronze Age's deadliest weapon, emerging in Near East around 1600 BC.
[5]
The Replacement of the Longbow by Firearms in the English Army
Considering the reasons given for the longbow's superiority over firearms in the late eighteenth century, one wonders why that weapon was replaced two hundred ...
[6]
[PDF] The Modern Compound Bow - University of Michigan Library
provide a brief history of the origins of the bow and the inception of the compound bow. Comparing and contrasting the structures comprising a traditional bow ...
[7]
A basic guide to the parts of a bow
### Definition of an Archery Bow
[8]
Arrow Speed Calculator
The greater the draw weight, the greater the speed of the arrow shot from the bow. This is because the large draw weight imparts more energy to the arrow.
[9]
Parts of a Recurve Bow - Online Archery Academy
The main parts of a recurve bow are the riser, the limbs, and the string. The riser is the central part, limbs store energy, and the string is essential.
[10]
Common Types of Archery Bows: Compound, Recurve, Longbow ...
compound, recurve, longbow, and self bows — have distinctive designs and benefits. We break them down to help you ...
[11]
From past to present: The evolution of bow technology - gohunt
Oct 7, 2015 · Arrows: Wood to Aluminum to Carbon Historically, arrows were made of wood from a variety of trees like cherry, ash, cedar, oak and hickory. ...
[12]
How Much Kinetic Energy For Bowhunting?
The formula for calculating kinetic energy reveals that there are two primary variables – mass and velocity, or in archery terms – arrow weight and arrow speed.
[13]
Archery Bow Types & Types of Archery
There are four main types of bow that you'll see in archery - the recurve bow, the compound bow, the longbow and the barebow - and all can be used in the ...
[14]
Archery Safety - Bowhunter Ed
Archery and bowhunting safety rules cover all aspects of using a bow and arrow, including storing, handling, and shooting.<|control11|><|separator|>
[15]
NFAA Shooting Styles & Equipment Rules
1. Archers shooting Barebow style will use bow, arrows, strings, and accessories free from any sights, marks or blemishes that may be used as a sighting aid. 2 ...
[16]
A Comparative Look at Hun and Mongol Military Technologies
Composite bows clearly were superior from this perspective, as they provided as much or more power with much less energy required for each draw (Emeneau 1953: ...
[17]
The Legendary Longbow - Missouri Department of Conservation
The longbow was an integral part of Native Americans' lives for hundreds of years. The Osage bow style highlighted in this article was the main hunting tool ...Missing: indigenous | Show results with:indigenous
[18]
Anatomy of a Bow – The Ultimate Guide to Violin Bows
However, all modern bows have the following parts- the stick, hair, tip, tip plate, frog, ferrule, screw (button) winding (lapping), and thumb leather. Let's ...
[19]
Francois Tourte: Inventor of the Modern Bow - Benning Violins
Frenchman Francois Tourte is widely credited with inventing the modern violin bow, in almost universal use today by violinists of all levels of ability.
[20]
https://www.johnsonstring.com/resources/articles/instrument-accessories/from-horse-to-bow/
[21]
Everything You Need To Know About the Violin Bow - McNeela Music
Bow Hair · Synthetic bow hair requires far more rosin than natural horsehair. · Most varieties do not offer the same resonance, response or feel as natural ...
[22]
about violin, viola and cello bows - Violorama
Violin bows weight range 55 - 74 grams. "normal" range 59 - 64 grams ... Violin bow standard length: 750mm. Viola bow standard length: 745mm. Cello ...
[23]
An Explanation of Violin, Viola and Cello Bow Weights | Reverb News
May 26, 2016 · Violin bow = 57 to 63 grams; Viola bow = 67 to 73 grams; Cello bow = 77 to 84 grams. Generally, heavier bows are easier to control, which makes ...
[24]
What's the Difference Between a Violin & Cello Bow? - CodaBow
Jul 29, 2025 · Cello bows are generally shorter than violin bows, with good reason. This is because cello bows are held horizontally, allowing the bow to be easier to control.Missing: dimensions | Show results with:dimensions
[25]
ALL 102 VIOLIN BOWING Techniques and Terms with Examples
Legato bowing. As a bowing technique legato refers to playing multiple notes on one smooth bow stroke. You hear fluent transitions between the notes. In sheet ...
[26]
All 25 Violin Bowing Techniques with Examples & Symbols
Spiccato is a bouncing bow technique. Short single strokes produce the sound by dropping the middle of the bow onto the string of the violin. You lift the bow ...
[27]
The violin bow: Practical tips on care, rehair and maintenance
Here as well there is not a solid rule as to how often a violin bow should be rehaired. Professional musicians often have their bows rehaired two to three times ...Missing: frequency | Show results with:frequency<|control11|><|separator|>
[28]
How to Choose the Right Rosin For Your Stringed Instrument
Lighter rosins tend to be harder and more dense—a good fit for violin and viola. Darker, softer rosins are generally preferred by the lower strings ...Missing: maintenance | Show results with:maintenance
[29]
Origins of Bowed Stringed Instruments - Mae Mai - WordPress.com
Feb 25, 2011 · Bowed strings seemed to have originated as a whole in the Middle East and/or Central Asia–regions of the world that share a lot of overlapping cultural ties.
[30]
https://oxfordre.com/anthropology/display/10.1093/acrefore/9780190854584.001.0001/acrefore-9780190854584-e-561
[31]
[PDF] The KNIGHT REVISION of HORNBOSTEL-SACHS
C2 Musical bow A stick is pulled into a bow shape by the tension of a string, or in some cases, more than one string (the latter to be indicated with the #n ...
[32]
Musical Instrumentation among the San (Bushmen) of the Central ...
The instrument was played with a curved bow made of wood between ends of which a tense thin metal wire was attached. Pitch was changed by va depression of ...Missing: definition origins
[33]
Instrumental Music of the Kalahari San | Smithsonian Folkways ...
Here is a demonstration of music played on gut pluriarc (bow lute), gut hunting bow and sitengena (thumb piano), with vocal accompaniment.
[34]
[PDF] UMAKHWEYANE: A MUSICAL BOW AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO ...
Bows may be played by percussion (striking the string), by plucking, and by friction (rubbing the string or the ... Play your own musical Bow and on the DVD Xhosa ...
[35]
Musical Bows in Southern Africa - Bow Music Foundation
Apr 6, 2020 · In the south and eastern parts of southern Africa, members of several ethnic groups render diverse musical repertoires from a variety of single-string bows.
[36]
The Appalachian Mouth Bow: Easy to Make, Easy to Play!
May 1, 1983 · The so-called Appalachian mouth bow is a variation on this style, having a flat strip of wood, tapered on each end, rather than the rounded branch.
[37]
New practices reinvent traditions in bow music - The Conversation
Mar 14, 2016 · The current tale of musical bow instruments is only partly a sad one thanks to a faraway martial art form, and the musical quests of young musicians.Missing: adaptations | Show results with:adaptations
[38]
Types of Bow Designs Used For Ships - Marine Insight
Jan 21, 2019 · The ship bow is where the fore part of the ship first comes in contact with the water as far as your design waterline is considered. Bow wave.
[39]
Bow and Stern: 5 differences and what they are - Nautical Channel
May 26, 2023 · The bow is the forward or front part of a ship. It usually has a pointed or tapered shape and an upward slope as its main function is to cut ...<|separator|>
[40]
About the ship - Draken Harald Hårfagre
Draken Harald Hårfagre is a clinker-built Viking longship. She is not a replica of a known ship, she is a reconstruction of what the Norse Sagas refer to as a “ ...
[41]
https://nauticalchannel.com/new/bow-and-stern
[42]
The Clipper Bow - EcoClipper
Mar 4, 2021 · The 'Aberdeen Bow' signified the change from the old wooden sailing coasters to the much sleeker and faster clippers.
[43]
Clipper Ships - Sarah Sails
The bows (front of the ship) were wide and slightly raked forward · so they could move forward rapidly · cutting the waves · Those with the sharpest bows were ...<|separator|>
[44]
Different Bow Types For Yachts - boats.com
Apr 21, 2025 · The different bow types are: Bulbous, Flared, Raked, Plumb, Clipper, Reverse, Axe, and Spoon. The most popular are raked, plumb, and reverse.Bulbous · Flared bow · Raked Bow · Plumb bow
[45]
Hydrodynamics and Hull Design - Datawave Marine Solutions
... This article glimpses into the background of hydrodynamics by exploring the link between the science of Bernoulli's equation and the shape of ship hulls.
[46]
M.1620 Ships make waves - The Contact Patch
In effect, the Froude number is a way of expressing the speed of the ship in relation to the speed of a wave of comparable size. A wave can itself be treated as ...
[47]
Breaking the Ice: Icebreakers - Datawave Marine Solutions
The best method for icebreaking involves a wedge and lots of weight. The ship hull uses a very shallow rake on the bow, designed like half of a wedge. (Figure 3 ...
[48]
Combined bulbous bow and sonar dome for a vessel - Google Patents
The sonar dome typically has a much smaller effect on the wavemaking resistance of the ship than a bulbous bow which is located close to the waterline and has a ...
[49]
Bow Thrusters - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Damage to a bow thruster, which cannot be exposed by deballasting and trimming the ship, may have to be inspected by divers. In the event that the damage ...Transverse Thrusters · 14.1. 2 Unit Design · High-Speed Craft
[50]
What is Collision Bulkhead in Ships? - Marine Insight
Apr 1, 2022 · As per SOLAS requirements, the position of the collision bulkhead for any oceangoing ship is at least 5% of the length between perpendiculars ( ...
[51]
Historical Building Systems' Series: Bowstring Trusses | VERTEX
Jan 18, 2024 · Bowstring trusses, used 1900-1950, create large open spans with a curved top and straight bottom chord, often used in manufacturing and ...
[52]
Bow Bridge - Central Park Conservancy
Central Park's arches and bridges are an integral part of its circulation system. The Park's designers, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, created an ...
[53]
Roman Aqueducts - National Geographic Education
May 29, 2025 · The most recognizable feature of Roman aqueducts may be the bridges constructed using rounded stone arches. Some of these can still be seen ...Missing: bow | Show results with:bow
[54]
Rib vault | Definition, History, & Architecture - Britannica
Sep 20, 2025 · Rib vault, in building construction, a skeleton of arches or ribs on which masonry can be laid to form a ceiling or roof.
[55]
Wood Bowstring Trusses - Structure Magazine
Bowstring trusses were a popular solution for structurally support- ing roofs from the 1900s through the 1950s, especially in buildings where large, open spans ...Missing: architecture | Show results with:architecture<|separator|>
[56]
5.14 Curved Beam Formula | Bending of Beams - InformIT
Aug 1, 2019 · Winkler's curved beam formula extends straight beam theory, with the neutral axis not coinciding with the centroidal axis. It has two forms, ...Missing: architecture | Show results with:architecture
[57]
Bowline Knot - Animated Knots
The Bowline knot makes a secure loop in a rope's end, easy to undo when unloaded, and does not slip under load. It can be tied with one hand.Running Bowline · One-Handed Bowline · Water BowlineMissing: definition history variations credible sources
[58]
Master the Bowline Knot: 10+ Variations for Every Situation
Oct 30, 2025 · The Bowline Knot (ABoK #1010) forms a secure, non-slip loop at the end of the rope that's easy to tie and untie.
[59]
10 Interesting Facts I Doubt You Know About Knots
Oct 1, 2022 · The bowline is a slightly weaker knot, at 70 to 75 percent, followed by the double fisherman's at 65 to 70 percent. The clove hitch is the ...
[60]
[PDF] Knots 101 - The Mountaineers
For climbing specific knots, the efficiency range is typically between 60-80%. Modern climbing ropes have a tensile strength of upwards of 6,000 pounds.
[61]
How to tie a bowline knot - Royal Museums Greenwich
The bowline was traditionally used to prevent square sail from being 'taken aback'. This means stopping the sail from accidentally going backwards, ...Missing: rigging 16th century source
[62]
The Bowline - American Alpine Institute
There have been a few high-profile accidents with people using a double-bowline for their tie-in. These accidents could have been avoided if the individuals ...
[63]
Learn 10 Basic Tree Climbing Knots for Safe Arborist Work
Oct 6, 2021 · The bowline knot, while excellent for securing a loop around an object, is not life-support-rated, and should not be used as such. Learn: ...
[64]
The history of bows in fine jewellery design
Aug 27, 2015 · Traditionally seen as a symbol of love and marriage, the bow motif first appeared in jewellery in the 17th century French royal court of Louis XIV.
[65]
https://www.alpineinstitute.com/the-bowline/
[66]
https://sgtknots.com/blogs/news/10-basic-tree-climbing-knots-every-arborist-needs-to-know
[67]
https://www.thejewelleryeditor.com/jewellery/article/history-bows-fine-jewellery-design/
[68]
https://buffalojackson.com/blogs/journal/history-of-the-bow-tie
[69]
https://thebowtie.com/blogs/news/bow-tie-history
[70]
https://hespokestyle.com/bow-tie-styles-tuxedo-formal/
[71]
Are Bow Ties Appropriate for Weddings? - OTAA
The simple and definitive answer is, 'Yes'. Bow ties are not only appropriate but can also be a stylish and distinctive choice for any wedding ceremony.
[72]
The History and Symbolism of Christmas Ribbons
In Europe, the practice of tying ribbons onto gifts began to flourish in the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly among the upper classes. During this time, ...
[73]
How hair bows became a symbol of school in the USSR (PHOTOS)
Sep 1, 2023 · Braids decorated with big bows were usually the only accessories that Soviet schoolgirls had. All Soviet schoolchildren were obliged to wear ...
[74]
https://www.otaa.com/blogs/gentlemans-guide/are-bow-ties-appropriate-for-weddings
[75]
bow, n.¹ meanings, etymology and more | Oxford English Dictionary
A word inherited from Germanic. Common Germanic: Old English boga, corresponding to Old Frisian boga, Old Saxon bogo (Middle Dutch booghe, Dutch boog), Old ...
[76]
England's First Stone Arched Bridge - Essex Hundred Publications
Nov 18, 2023 · The new Lea Bridge consisted of seven stone arches sweeping across the river in a gentle bow which is probably the reason it became known as Bow Bridge.
[77]
[PDF] Roman Road Bow Neighbourhood Forum Local context: History of ...
... hamlet was called Bow after the shape of the arches of the first stone bridges that were built across the River Lea. The story goes that the stone bridge was.
[78]
Cornish Rebellion of 1497 - Historic UK
The Cornish rebellion of 1497 led to a march on London and threatened the rule of King Henry VII and the new Tudor dynasty.Missing: Bow | Show results with:Bow
[79]
Living in Bow, London E3 | Galliard Homes
Aug 28, 2015 · Due to its enviable location next door to Stratford, Bow benefits from a huge assortment of transport links that connect the area with the City ...
[80]
Welcome and Information - Mid Devon Parish Websites
BOW (Latin: place at the arched bridge), originally a street-village on the old road between Crediton and Okehampton and lying in the undulating countryside ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
[81]
Census 2021 Report Part 1 - Facts and Figures
Nov 23, 2023 · The Census puts the population of Devon at 811,600. This is up from 746,400 ten years ago – an increase of 65,200 or 8.7%. The largest increase ...
[82]
Bow (Devon, South West England, United Kingdom) - City Population
1,120 Population [2021] – Census ; 0.4700 km² Area ; 2,383/km² Population Density [2021].
[83]
Parishes: Ilchester | British History Online
Yeovil Bow was called Galeis or Gallows Bow in 1789 ... Review Order, 1933; Somerset (Parishes in the Rural District of Yeovil) Confirmation Order, 1957.<|separator|>
[84]
https://www.citypopulation.de/en/uk/southwestengland/devon/E63006605__bow/
[85]
[XLS] Somerset Building Stones - Historic England
Rough-faced rubblestone walling, old walls in central Yeovil and St John's church, Yeovil. Quarried in many small quarries near Barrington, South Petherton, ...
[86]
A history of Bowburn Colliery
The colliery village of Bowburn began to be built, prior to the commencement of shaft sinking on 23 July 1906.
[87]
Coal mining and Durham collieries
Coal production peaked in 1913 and in 1923 there were 170,000 miners working in County Durham. The industry declined in the county after the Second World War ...
[88]
Bow, Devon - Key to English Place-names - University of Nottingham
boga (Old English) A bow, an arch; an arched bridge; a bow (for shooting); something curved or bent, such as a river bend or curved valley. Filter ...Missing: etymology | Show results with:etymology
[89]
History - Bow, NH
The Town of Bow was chartered in 1727. Some say the Town derived its name from its location at the bow in the Merrimack River, just south of Concord, New ...Missing: Garvin Dam festival
[90]
[PDF] A History of Chichester
The original Garvin to arrive in New Hampshire was Patrick who settled in the town of Bow, probably in the 1740's. Garvin's Falls is named for him. He was ...
[91]
March 2001 Towpath Topics - Volume 39, No. 2
At Garvin's Falls, the Bow Canal consisted of a 450-foot wood and stone dam, and the canal with a guard-lock and three lower locks. Apparently the flume of ...
[92]
The town of Bow by Ray Jordan - The STUMP RANCH
The oldest Indians tell stories, handed down for generations, of a thriving Noo-wha-ah village in the long ago that stood on or near the present site of Bow.
[93]
Bow, Washington Population 2025
Bow has a 2025 population of 446. Bow is currently growing at a rate of 7.21% annually but its population has decreased by -0.22% since the most recent census.Missing: logging Samish
[94]
Bow River | Canada, Map, History, & Facts | Britannica
Oct 13, 2025 · The river was so named because the Cree Indians made bows from Douglas firs that grew along its banks. French explorers traversed the Bow valley ...Missing: length Parkway
[95]
Bow River | The Canadian Encyclopedia
Jul 18, 2016 · The Bow River runs through the most populated region of Alberta, intersecting cities such as Banff, Canmore, Cochrane and Calgary.Missing: length economy Parkway risks
[96]
The Watershed — Bow River Basin Council
The Bow River Basin is home to over 35% of Alberta's population, largely residing within the City of Calgary. Major centres within the basin also include ...<|separator|>
[97]
The Bow Valley Parkway - Banff National Park
Sep 10, 2025 · The Bow Valley Parkway is a scenic winding route between Banff and Lake Louise, and a quieter alternative to the Trans-Canada Highway.Missing: source economy name flood risks
[98]
Bow and Elbow River flood study - Open Government program
This study assesses and identifies flood and river-related hazards along 72 km of the Bow River and 66 km of the Elbow River, as well as 1 km of Bragg Creek ...Missing: source economy Valley Parkway indigenous
[99]
[PDF] A Native History Of Kentucky - Heritage.KY.gov
Jan 26, 2025 · The bulk of Kentucky's American Indian history is written within the Commonwealth's rich archaeological record: thousands of camps, villages, ...Missing: ghost etymology
[100]
Inkstand | V&A Explore The Collections
The Bow porcelain works in East London was probably the first factory in England to make porcelain on a commercial scale. Its founder partners applied for ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[101]
Bow Porcelain Factory - Plate - The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Bow factory had been established around 1747, and porcelain appears to have been produced as early as the following year, as indicated by a bill dated ...
[102]
Bow Porcelain - Thomas Frye - Antique Marks
In 1749, with the backing of the Peers family, the bow china factory was set up near Bow Bridge. The Bow Porcelain Manufactory of New Canton was ready to start ...
[103]
A history of the Bow Porcelain Factory - Homes and Antiques
May 6, 2022 · Until its closure in 1776, the Bow factory produced masses of modest porcelain wares for domestic use; anything you could imagine in a middle- ...
[104]
Out of a Recession Came Worcester China | Collectors Weekly
Feb 26, 2009 · From the start it avoided the mistake of both Chelsea and Bow of making a porcelain that was liable to crack if washed in hot water. Instead, ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[105]
Bow Porcelain Gallery
Plate in underglaze blue decorated with the 'image' or golfer and caddy' pattern. This plate belongs to the Bowcock period and dates to ca. 1756-1760.
[106]
Bow porcelain history, maker's marks and restoration
Aug 25, 2023 · Tied with Chelsea as the first porcelain factory in England, Bow was famous for its industrious output and development of fine bone china.
[107]
finds from excavations in High Street, Stratford, 2006, Part II
Aug 28, 2025 · Bow porcelain revealed: finds from excavations in High Street, Stratford, 2006, Part II. Authors. Anton Gabszewicz; Jacqui Pearce. Abstract.
[108]
Made In Bow: The Archaeology of the Bow Porcelain Factory
Jul 6, 2013 · About. Excavations in 2006 on the site of the 18thcentury Bow Porcelain Works in Stratford High Street uncovered a massive quantity of ...
[109]
Hair bows: embracing femininity - The Lancer
In the Victorian times, both young girls and boys wore small bows in order to keep ringlets of hair out of their faces. Straying away from its functional ...
[110]
Hair Bow Designs - A Lesson In History Part 1
Hair Bow Designs – Handmade Hair Bows Have History! The most widely ... In the “Victorian Age”, bows appeared as an accessory worn in hair and on dresses.<|separator|>
[111]
The Ribbon Retreat
The Ribbon Retreat. We carry the highest quality grosgrain, sheers, wired, jacquard, double ruffle ribbons, and more! Most orders ship in 1 business day.Free Hair Bow Instructions · Ribbons · Hair Bows · Free Hairbow InstructionsMissing: materials | Show results with:materials
[112]
Lolita style, explained: Why the Japanese-born, Victorian-inspired ...
Jan 25, 2024 · Lolita style originated in Japan's vibrant streetwear scene, Monden said. Its seeds were planted in the '70s and '80s, with the founding of ...Missing: modern synthetic materials
[113]
The Bow Saw - WOOD Magazine
Mar 4, 2025 · Expect to pay from $30 to $100 or more for an old one; about $35 for a new one. Written with Vernon U. Ward, tool collector and dealer and ...
[114]
The Gramercy Tools Bow Saw - Design Considerations
A solid bow saw that captures the best of the early 19 th century tradition, we urge you to consider getting one of our original Gramercy Tools bow saws.
[115]
(PDF) The ground stone components of drills in the Ancient Near East
Oct 13, 2016 · making. 2.1. Bow drill components. The bow drill is comprised of ... tool of. premodern northeastern Asian cultures (Hough 1912: 195). 3.1 ...
[116]
https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/25/style/lolita-fashion-history-style-photos-cec
[117]
Bow Replica - Etsy
4.7 1.5K Explore handcrafted bow replicas, from decorative tribal sets to beginner archery bows. Discover unique archery gloves and horse bows for enthusiasts.
[118]
Exploring the Techniques of Plastic Toy Injection Molding and Design
Plastic toy injection molding involves injecting melted plastic into a mold, design with aesthetic and functional aspects, and using 3D software for complex ...Missing: polymer bows
[119]
Injection Molded Toys: It's Easier Than Ever to Make Them - 3ERP
Feb 23, 2019 · Injection molding is now more affordable with rapid tooling, allowing small batches, and is faster than 3D printing for few hundred or few ...
[120]
Compound Bow 3D Printing - Elimold
3D Printing Services for Compound Bows. We can print the highest performance polymers and metals, create prototypes for design validation and testing backup ...
[121]
'The Green Steel of the 21st Century' - Reasons to be Cheerful
Nov 14, 2022 · Cheap, strong and plentiful, bamboo has been used in Hong Kong for ages as an ultra-sustainable building material.
[122]
Booming bamboo industry mirrors China's sustained green efforts
Dec 30, 2022 · Bullish on the potential of the industry under China's green initiative, Shizuko injected several millions of yuan this year to upgrade from ...
[123]
Recurve - World Archery
Modern recurve bows are built using technologically advanced materials, including laminated carbon fibre and carbon foam in the limbs, but many manufacturers ...
[124]
Rulebook | World Archery
This article lays down the type of equipment athletes are permitted to use when shooting in World Archery competitions.
[125]
How to Bow: An Essential Form of Respect in Japan | Nippon.com
Nov 9, 2023 · Bowing plays a central role in Japanese etiquette. Here we introduce different kinds of bows for different situations, and the roots of the practice.
[126]
Japanese Bowing Customs - KCP International
May 15, 2024 · Manners serve to nurture harmonious relationships globally. In Japanese culture, bowing represents non-contact communication, reflecting a value ...
[127]
The Chinese Martial Arts Salute - So Much Meaning in a Simple ...
Aug 25, 2022 · Bowing or “saluting” was one of the ways this was expressed going back more than 3000 years ago. We can see it in the writings of Confucius (551 ...
[128]
6 Ways People Around The World Say Hello Without Touching
Mar 23, 2020 · “Bowing was introduced to Japan in the seventh century from China,” says Yuko Kaifu, president of Japan House Los Angeles, a cultural initiative ...The Wai In Thailand · Bowing In Japan · Lakota Avoidance Practices<|separator|>
[129]
Japanese Bowing: The Definitive Guide - Tofugu
Oct 23, 2015 · This guide comes in! Here, we'll introduce the main types of bows you should know and explain step-by-step how to perform them.
[130]
The Meaning of Namaste: How to Perform the Namaste Gesture - 2025
Jun 7, 2021 · Namaste (nah-mah-stay) is a Sanskrit word that means “I bow to you.” Namah or Namas translates to “bow,” while Te means “to you.” In Indian ...
[131]
Bowing Down {ruku'} and Prostration {sujud} - Al-Islam.org
Ruku' is essential bowing down in prayer, while sujud is prostration, a symbol of nearness to God, and the best position of man in God's presence.
[132]
Why Do Performers Bow? - Theatre in Paris
Jun 3, 2020 · Performers bow to show thanks for the work done and for the audience's appreciation, as a response to clapping and a way to show vulnerability.
[133]
What is the Purpose of Bowing in Martial Arts?
Rating 5.0 (79) Bowing in the martial arts means the martial artist is showing respect and acknowledging the other individual. Nearly all martial artists bow to their teachers, ...
[134]
Bowing In Japan: A Guide for Foreigners - Interac Network
Feb 24, 2022 · In the Japanese business world, you will encounter three main types of bows. These are eshaku, keirei and saikeirei. Muscles and posture are ...
[135]
Effects of bowing on perception of attractiveness
Mar 27, 2015 · The first is that the bowing motion activates a cognitive schema related to politeness. More specifically, a bowing motion expresses gratitude ...<|separator|>
[136]
The neuroscience of respect: insights from cross-cultural perspectives
Dec 19, 2023 · Abstract. Cultural values such as respect influence cognition, emotion, and behavior by modulating brain functioning.
[137]
202. 25.5 Dispersion: The Rainbow and Prisms - UH Pressbooks
Rainbows are produced by a combination of refraction and reflection and involve the dispersion of sunlight into a continuous distribution of colors. Dispersion ...
[138]
Rainbow - Physics
Aug 29, 2018 · Because of dispersion (different wavelengths refract different amounts), different colors emerge in different directions. Looking at the single ...
[139]
Over The Rainbow - Science Museum Blog
Jun 14, 2010 · Isaac Newton explained that the rainbow's colours arise as a result of white light being split into its constituent colours.
[140]
Rainbow - National Geographic Education
Oct 19, 2023 · A supernumerary rainbow ... Because the water droplets in fog are much smaller than raindrops, fogbows have much fainter colors than rainbows.
[141]
How Rainbows Form and How to Find Them - In Light of Nature
A rainbow is formed from certain light rays concentrated in angle upon exit from the raindrop and redirected towards our eyes.
[142]
Rainbows, Halos, Coronas and Glories - AMS Journals
The presence of halos indicates that polyhedral solid particles are present in the atmosphere, namely ice crystals. Any pair of crystal faces may act as a ...
[143]
Global rainbow distribution under current and future climates
Examining frequency across regions, rainbows were very common in the coastal tropics, including parts of eastern South America (e.g., Suriname, Guyana), ...