THE DEVELOPMENT AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE BLOWGUN

ABSTRACT

The blowgun appears to have been invented in Southeast Asia in relatively ancient times. Its elaboration took place in the Malaysian culture area, particularly in Borneo. Double-tube bamboo types, split-and-grooved wooden weapons, and solid bored wooden blowguns evolved from simple reed and bamboo forms. Clay pellets probably preceded darts as missiles; darts were eventually poisoned. Indonesian trade and migrations took the blowgun to Japan, South India, Madagascar, and Melanesia. Blowguns were also widespread in northwestern South America (the core area), much of Middle America, and the eastern United States. American forms and uses are similar to Malaysian ones and may reflect early transpacific contacts.