jousien

Jousi is a weapon that stores energy in a flexible limb when drawn by a string and releases it to propel an arrow. In Finnish, jousien is the genitive plural form meaning “of the bows” and is used when referring to multiple bows or to their characteristics. Bows have been used for hunting, warfare, sport, and ceremonial purposes across many cultures.

Bows are classified by construction and shape. Self bows are made from a single piece of wood; laminated or composite bows combine multiple materials to improve stiffness and efficiency. The shapes include the longbow, flatbow, and recurve bow, with the recurve design offering greater power in a shorter overall length. In modern contexts, the compound bow uses pulleys to adjust draw weight and improve aiming stability.

Materials range from traditional woods such as yew or ash, to composite elements that incorporate horn, sinew, and modern resins. Contemporary bows commonly employ fiberglass, carbon fiber, and aluminum risers. Strings are typically made from synthetic fibers like Dacron or FastFlight, though natural fibers have been used in earlier periods. The choice of materials influences performance, including draw weight, speed, and energy transfer.

Use and organization have evolved over time. While jousien served as essential tools in many historical settings, today they are primarily associated with sport and recreation. Competitive archery is governed by international bodies and standardized rules, emphasizing safety, measurement, and accuracy. The study of jousien thus encompasses design, materials science, and the cultural history of archery across different regions.