Quiver

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A quiver is a container for arrows, crossbow bolts or darts, such as those shot from a bow, crossbow or blowgun. Quivers have different forms depending on their use: quivers may hang from an archer's belt, from a horse saddle, or be worn on the back. Sometimes, particularly in those that hang on a saddle, the quiver has a compartment for holding the bow itself. Many quivers have lids to protect the arrows from rain, which can ruin the arrows' glue attaching the fletching.

Quivers appear in all cultures that use bow and arrow. One certain archaeological evidence is Ötzi the Iceman, the Chalcolithic man found in the Alps.

Quivers were not always employed by travelers in warfare, as a large number of arrows would often be supplied to groups of archers and stuck in the ground for more rapid shooting.

Traditional quivers used in medieval times were made of leather and canvas, these forms are still used in re-enactment events. Modern quivers, which may have a maximum capacity of 25 or 30 arrows, depending on size, are more suited to modern arrows and shooting styles. They are normally made of plastic with multiple compartments for the arrows and tools an archer would need while shooting.

The following is an excerpt from the Boy Scouts of America Merit Badge Series Books: Archery, about the different kinds of quivers:

Quivers hold your arrows when you are shooting. The style of quiver you choose will depend on the type of archery you shoot. Belt quivers attach to your belt and allows you to reach arrows easily. Styles include vertical, diagonal, hip, pocket, and holster. Ground quivers stick in the ground. They may have a rack to hold your bow as well as a container to keep your arrows upright. Back quivers sling over either shoulder. One drawback to these quivers is that you must reach high to withdraw an arrow, a problem if you are trying to sneak up on game or you are target shooting in a forested area. Bow quivers attach to the bow, giving the hunters the convenience of carrying only one piece of equipment through the brush. Some field archers use bow quivers, but tournament archers usually find them too clumsy.