Used with author's permission. The pictures referred to in this article will be included soon.
Archers thumb rings have been used by many Asian and Mediterranean cultures. Some of the earliest references of their use are from 7th century BC Assyria. Examples from India, Turkey, Persia, Korea, China and Mongolia vary in design but serve the same function. The ring provides protection for the thumb against the pressure and friction from drawing and releasing the bow string. The thumb ring has a single point of contact with the string. This provides a faster release due to less drag on the string.
Most archers in the SCA use what is called the Mediterranean release. This is when the string is drawn back using the tips of two or three fingers with the arrow nocked between the inde and middle finger. When this is done by a right-handed archer the string will slightly rotate in a clockwise direction. This is why the point of the arrow is placed on the left side of the bow.
The Mongolian release is done by hooking the thumb, just below the first joint, around the string and under the arrow. The last three fingers are curled into a fist and the tip of the thumb is placed on the second joint of the middle finger. The index finger is then locked over the thumbnail to help draw the string and steady the arrow.
This method will cause the string to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. The point of the arrow is placed on the right side of bow for a right handed archer. So, to shoot using a Mongolian release, you will need a left handed bow if you are right handed. The release of the fully drawn arrow is done by letting go of the index finger and the string will cause the thumb to flick straight.
Since the fit of the thumb ring is critical. If the hole is too small it will either not fit over the knuckle or cause pain, blisters and bruising to the thumb. If it is too loose, it will slide around your thumb (a good cause of fumbled arrows, especially during speed shoots) or slip off when the arrow is released (horn is not easy to find in the grass). I recommend that you make a mock up from modeling clay, wax or play-dough. The hole of the ring is oval shape.
This allows the ring to slip over the knuckle (fig. A) then fit snug against the sides of the joint when turned into place (fig. B). When properly worn the ring will cover the pad of the thumb.
Thumb rings are made from any type of strong hard material. Beautiful examples have been made from precious metals, ivory, amber, and jade. Other materials used are bone, horn and stone. My first thumb ring was made from palm ivory. This lovely natural alternative to ivory became brittle after several months and exploded into four pieces when I was drawing my arrow at practice. Cow horn is what I used for my current thumb ring. Horns are easily found at most leather supply stores and is easy to carve. Horn has a peculiar odor when it is cut with power tool.
When you look at the cow horn, find where it becomes solid at the tip. The ring is cut from the last few inches of the horn. I first remove the section of the tip that is too narrow for the ring. I then cut off the bottom of the horn until the opening is slightly narrower than the tip of the thumb. Next drill a hold through the top.
Continue cutting away the opening until you can start to place the tip of the thumb through the hole. Now is when the mock up is very handy for insuring that you do not cut away too much material. Make sure that the ring does not narrow to a knife like edge where it fits just below the pad of your thumb. You should have about a 1/8 inch wide section at this pint of the opening. The sides and back of my ring are about 1/4 inch wide and 1/8 inch thick. The main part that protects the pad of the thumb covers all but the last 1/4 inch of my thumb. The outer part of this section should be a smooth gentle curve to allow the string to slide smoothly. Sand and polish the surfaces for a nice look and easy wear.
When you finally go to shoot, be prepared for a few lost arrows and a blister where the string rests. With practice a callous will build up. Be patient and have fun. I would like to shoot with anyone who gives this a try.
