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.
Quivers have been traditionally made of leather, bark, wood, furs and other natural materials. Although the bow and arrow has came a long way in design and use of modern materials, many still prefer the traditional materials and designs such as the recurve bow.
Traditional archery has also experienced a renaissance as well as the art of quiver making. The rarity of some of the materials such as yew wood and the time consuming methods of construction of these items has made them surge in value and demand. Other contemporary quivers are designed for special usage such as for speed shooting or hunting quivers that attach to the bow. Most archers still use a traditional quiver for general arrow storage and target practice, while using a specialized quiver when needed.
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.
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