[WORLD ARCHERY HERITAGE: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF BOW DESIGNS AND TECHNOLOGIES ACROSS FIVE CONTINENTS] WARISAN MEMANAH DUNIA: ANALISIS PERBANDINGAN REKA BENTUK DAN TEKNOLOGI BUSUR LIMA BENUA

Abstract

Abstract

The evolution and variation of traditional bows around the world reflect the sophistication and achievements of human civilisation throughout history. Numerous studies have explored the development, uniqueness, and adaptation of traditional bows as a technological heritage that shapes the identity of diverse societies. However, despite the long-standing presence of archery in human history, comprehensive comparative studies examining traditional bows across five continents remain limited. Therefore, this study analyses the content of the book Traditional Archery from Six Continents as the primary source to understand the diversity of traditional bows in five continents, namely East Asia, Oceania, Africa, the Americas, and Europe. The information obtained is further examined to assess the relevance of traditional bows in these regions from a modern perspective, including aspects of form, materials, manufacturing techniques, and function. This study employs a qualitative approach with a historical research design. Data are collected through documentation, focusing on the primary source Traditional Archery from Six Continents and supported by secondary sources. Data analysis is conducted descriptively and historically using a comparative method to identify similarities and differences in traditional bows across the five continents. The findings of this study are expected to provide a clearer understanding of the diversity, form, materials, construction techniques, and functions of traditional bows worldwide. The implications of this study include contributing to the documentation and preservation of cultural heritage as well as serving as a reference for education and research on traditional technological history. Consequently, this research may open new avenues for future scholarship and enhance public awareness of the importance of safeguarding traditional cultural heritage.

Keywords: Traditional bows, technological heritage, five continents, traditional archery, archery techniques.

Abstrak

Evolusi dan variasi busur tradisional di seluruh dunia mencerminkan ketajaman, kemampuan menyesuaikan diri, serta tahap kemajuan teknologi tamadun manusia sepanjang sejarah. Para sarjana telah lama mengkaji perkembangan, keunikan, dan peranan budaya busur tradisional dalam masyarakat tertentu. Namun begitu, kajian perbandingan yang komprehensif merangkumi tradisi busur dari lima benua masih terbatas. Oleh itu, kajian ini meneliti kepelbagaian busur tradisional di Asia Timur, Oceania, Afrika, benua Amerika, dan Eropah melalui analisis terhadap buku Traditional Archery from Six Continents sebagai sumber utama. Maklumat yang diperoleh turut diteliti bagi menilai kerelevanan busur tradisional dari perspektif moden, khususnya berkaitan aspek bentuk, bahan, teknik pembuatan, dan fungsi. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan reka bentuk penyelidikan sejarah. Pengumpulan data dilaksanakan melalui kaedah dokumentasi yang memfokuskan teks utama, disokong oleh sumber sekunder. Analisis deskriptif dan sejarah dijalankan bersama kaedah perbandingan untuk mengenal pasti persamaan serta perbezaan busur tradisional merentas lima benua. Hasil kajian diharapkan dapat memberikan pemahaman yang lebih jelas dan terstruktur mengenai kepelbagaian bentuk, bahan, kaedah pembinaan, dan fungsi busur tradisional di peringkat global. Kajian ini juga menyumbang kepada usaha pendokumentasian dan pemeliharaan warisan teknologi tradisional, selain menjadi rujukan berguna untuk tujuan pendidikan dan penyelidikan. Akhirnya, penyelidikan ini berpotensi membuka ruang baharu dalam kajian akan datang serta meningkatkan apresiasi masyarakat umum terhadap kepentingan memelihara teknologi budaya tradisional.

Kata kunci: busur tradisional, warisan teknologi, lima benua, memanah tradisional, teknik pembuatan.