Bow

Description

Bow made from the tree called Kungoo, whose flexibility properties allow its manufacture; the string is from the sinew of an animal known as Tatem. In the Yaqui language, the bow has the compound name of Kuta Wiko'i, Wiko'i, which means hunting or war bow. It was used during the Yaqui wars that took place during the Porfiriato. Currently, it is used as a prop and sound emitter in the Coyote dance.

Neither the bow nor the reed are considered musical instruments. However, they are sound artifacts, due to the function they perform during the war dance; in it, the arrow is struck against the wood of the warrior's bow, creating a rhythm different from that of the drum. Parallel to the above, the dancers walk with the bow between their legs, like a horse, evoking the glorious past deeds against the invaders. After the dance, the Coyotes are placed in a military position of rest and, taking advantage of the cuts of the reed, they fit it on the bowstring, near the upper end of the bow, which remains supported on the ground, in a vertical position. Thus placed, arch and reed form a cross (Varela, 1986).