South Indian Blow-Guns: [South Indian Blow-Guns, Boomerangs, and Crossbows by James Hornell, 1924]

Hello Everyone !!

"South Indian Blow-Guns, Boomerangs, and Crossbows" by James Hornell, published in 1924, is a fascinating ethnographic study that explores the traditional weapons used by various tribes in South India. Hornell, who was the Director of Fisheries in Madras, provides a comprehensive description of the different types of blow-guns, boomerangs, and crossbows used by the indigenous people.

The book is notable for its detailed illustrations and thorough documentation of these weapons, which were often used for hunting small game and birds. Hornell's work is considered a valuable contribution to the field of anthropology and ethnography, shedding light on the cultural practices and ingenuity of South Indian tribes.

In South India, 3 distinct types of Blow-guns are employed :

I) Plain Reed Tube and Simple Dart :--

Used by wild jungle tribes in the Anamalai Hills (Coimbatore district) and adjacent Travancore mountains. The dart can be a thin bamboo splint or a short length of midrib from an Indian sago-palm leaf, sharpened at one end. These are used to bring down squirrels and small birds.

II) Elaborate Harpoon Blow-Guns :--

These have a steel single-barbed head fitted loosely at one end of a short shaft. A long, thin cord connects the head to the shaft, wound closely around it. These are more effective for hunting.

III) Wooden Blow-Guns on the East Coast :--

Primarily used by Muhammadans in the coastal regions of Tanjore and Ramanathapuram districts to shoot small birds. The missile in this case is invariably a clay pellet.

Thank you for Reading !!