Conservation of bamboo

Wendy Claire Jessup <prevcon<-a t->aol< . >com> forwards this:

>    From: Linda Nakamura <lnakamura<-a t->aao< . >org>
>
>How does one conserve a cord of bamboo that functions as the "string" used
>to propel an arrow?  This bow is from Vietnam, circa 1920, and made of
>mahogany.  The "string" is tightly wrapped bamboo (woven) at each end and the
>bamboo stretches to the opposing side

I append the following from Mark Gabel, an archer friend who studied
Zen Archery in Japan:

    As of 25 years ago the traditional string was made from hemp,
    not bamboo, and is designed to break after a certain period of
    use. If there's a bow that needs to be strung I'd use a new
    string made from hemp and kevlar.  Still designed to break after
    use, it looks traditional and wouldn't mean risking an antique
    (although an older bow shouldn't be strung for long periods,
    anyway).

While not exactly "on target"  ; ), perhaps this info might help in
thinking about a solution; I certainly would suggest slacking the
bow and using a load-carrying string hidden under the original when
it needs to be on display.

Lisa Mibach

                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 10:89
                 Distributed: Thursday, April 17, 1997
                       Message Id: cdl-10-89-004
                                  ***