Shenyang craftsman passes on skills of making Xibe bows

An elegant bow is crafted in the traditional manner, on Oct 19, 2019. [Photo by Long Lei/Xinhua]

At a relatively youthful 45 years of age, E Jianye is a master who is intent on protecting and passing on the time-honored, traditional craft of making bows and arrows from the Xibe ethnic group in Shenyang, capital of Northeast China’s Liaoning province.

The skill is one of the city’s intangible cultural heritage items, according to local officials.

The Xibe ethnic group originated in Northeast China, mostly living in the Greater Hinggan Mountains in ancient times, while now they mostly live in Qapqal Xibe autonomous county in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and in the Shenbei new district of Shenyang.

E Jianye started to learn to make Xibe bows and arrows from his grandfather when he was 15.

He says it takes over a year to make a bow due to the complex processes.

Making them strictly according to ancient methods, the master’s bows are popular among bow enthusiasts for their superlative quality.

In addition to bow making, he has also established a traditional bow and arrow club and participates in various archery competitions, actively trying to pass on his treasured skills.