The bow and arrow is an early weapon that provides greater power to its user than a hand-thrown instrument by slowly storing energy which is quickly expended when the bowstring is released. The bow and arrow is thought to have been invented in northern Africa and southern Europe around 15,000 b.c. It was widespread across Europe by around 9000 b.c. The bow and arrow was an important hunting tool and weapon across Asia and the Americas as well. Most early bows were simple devices, constructed of slightly curved springy wood, and strung with gut. But even some very early bows have been found in Siberia made of a composite of wood and antler, revealing sophisticated craftsmanship. Arrow-making technique is believed to have been similar to the way some modern aboriginal peoples still make them. Shafts of wood were passed through holes bored in bone...