This object is what is called a thumb ring and also an archery ring. This object was used for two reasons: the first was used to protect the hand from the trust of the bowstring, and the second was used as a cultural symbol. The ladder became more and more apparent in many different cultures as bows were being introduced; the technique of bowstring releasing known as the Mongolian release necessitated this ring to be used, which was quite common in China, Japan, Korea, Persia, India, and North Africa with the earliest ones found were from the Shang Dynasty (1520 B.C. – 1030 B.C.) and were made out of jade and the earliest ones outside of Africa were made of silver, in the Nubian tombs in Sudan believed to be from A.D. 250-550. This archer’s ring is made out of jade and gold.
How to use the source
- You can use this source for teaching about the Ottoman empire
- Covers 10.2d
- The source can be used to help student exercise their analyizing skill by having them look at the object and ask them what it could be
- Could be used to cover 9.10
- This source can be used to show how big the ottoman empire was and how much trade impacted building this such as this ring
- covers 10.2d
- The source can also be used to show how power can influence the expansion of empires through weaponry.
- Covers 10.3b
Bibliography
- “Archer’s Ring: Ottoman.” The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Accessed July 19, 2024. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/30135.
- “Source – Museum of Anthropology.” University of Missouri College of Arts and Science Museum of Anthropology. Accessed July 27, 2024. https://anthromuseum.missouri.edu/sites/default/files/docs/2021-06/cps_sbys_-_thumbrings_10.7.18.pdf.
- “Archer’s Ring.” The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Accessed July 19, 2024. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/451118. Used for description.
Educational Supplements
- Showing the use of thumb rings with archery