The Bow and the Arrow

The bow and arrow are two objects that together constitute a useful weaponry for multiple purposes. In the case of us Pemons, we have used it for thousands of years for hunting and fishing as well as for war and defense.

The bow is made from a special wood obtained from the Araguaney tree (Handroanthus chrysanthus). It must be prepared by a master craftsman trained to do so with great patience so that he has the flexibility to shoot the arrows with sufficient force.

The arrow, on the other hand, is made from the spike of the bitter cane, or some know it as the wild cane. Another craftsman prepares the tips of other material, which can be made of steel or wood. Then, feathers are added to give better displacement and orientation at the time of throwing.

In recent years, bow and arrow have become part of the ancestral sport practiced in my community of the Gran Sabana. Once a year the Arrow and Bow competition is held. Different teams with members from different sectors of the community participate.

Each sector selects three teams: a team of men, a team of women and finally a team of children.

What you will see below are various scenes and moments from the opening day of the Arco y Flecha competition in the indigenous community of Kumarakapay, La Gran Sabana, Venezuela. A parade was held with typical and non-typical costumes of the different teams participating in the competition.