They were carried on belts, attached by metal rings and hooks, on the right side of the hip. Arrows were inserted with their tips up, so that specific arrowheads could be chosen, and the sensitive fletchings were well protected. They resemble long conical tubes of oval cross section made of birch bark or leather covered wood, usually equipped with a lid or flap. Many of them were of Eastern origin, introduced by the invading Huns and Avars. A few remains from the Iron Age migration period, and early medieval graves offer clues as to the shape, construction, and ways of carrying these quivers. However, since these containers were invariably made of organic materials such as wood, leather, or fabric, only few specimens or fragments have survived. A variety of means to transport arrows were used instead. Most probably, real medieval archers were well aware of the disadvantages of carrying their precious arrows on their back and thus out of sight. However, there is absolutely no historical evidence for its use in Europe during the Middle Ages. Particularly when it comes to quivers, film-makers can’t seem to resist the urge to place them on the actors’ backs, where the arrows will rattle, be prone to falling out or getting caught in overhanging trees, and have to be pulled out blindly over the shoulder in a long and cumbersome motion.Įver since Errol Flynn’s ’Robin Hood’ (1938), the leather back quiver appears to have been a favourite accoutrement for ’medieval archers’ in film and television. Tubular quivers with shoulder straps.Īchery and Hollywood – not often a great combination. Norman archers on the Bayeux Tapestry, c.
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