Blowgun

A blowgun, also known as a blowpipe or blow tube, is a simple ranged weapon. It consists of a long, narrow tube used for shooting light projectiles like darts. The device works through pneumatic propulsion. This means it uses air pressure to move an object. To use it, a person places a projectile inside the pipe. They then use forced exhalation, or a strong breath, to push the object out. The power of the shot is limited by the user's respiratory muscles and lung capacity.

Many different cultures have used blowguns throughout history. Indigenous and aboriginal peoples in East Asia and Southeast Asia are well known for this. They have also been used in Western Europe and North America. In Central America, groups in the Huehuetenango region use them. In South America, they are found in the Amazon Basin and the Guianas. These tools are not usually used against people. Instead, they are primarily used to hunt small animals like birds and monkeys. Some hunters dip dart tips in curare or other poisons to paralyze their targets.

Different types of ammunition are used depending on the culture and the goal. Projectiles can include seeds, clay pellets, or darts. The Maya people use spherical dry seeds and clay pellets to hunt. They make clay ammunition slightly larger than necessary to allow for shrinkage. Before use, they shave and burnish the outside of the dry clay pellet. In Japan, competition darts for the fukiya sport are made of a cellophane cone. These are topped with a non-pointed brass brad. In Southeast Asia, the sumpit is a common tool made from bamboo or wood. Some sumpit versions have metal spearheads at the tip for stabbing.

In North America, the Cherokee and Choctaw Indians used blowguns for survival. The Cherokee made their blowguns from river cane to hunt rabbits and other small creatures. Shorter blowguns and smaller bore darts were used by pre-adolescent boys in traditional Cherokee villages. These boys used them for varmint hunting to protect food stores. They targeted rodents like rats, mice, and chipmunks that gnawed on vegetables and seeds. This served as an early form of pest control and kept the boys busy. Some Cherokee people continued to hunt squirrels with blowguns well into the 20th century.

Today, the blowgun has moved into science and professional sports. Herpetologists use blowguns with tranquilizer darts to capture elusive lizards. They can also use them to stun dangerous animals in cages. The tool is also used recreationally with paintballs. Competitive sport blowgun is growing globally. The International Fukiyado Association is working to standardize competition styles. They hope the sport might one day become an Olympic event. One style uses a standardized 120 cm or 48-inch tube. In this game, shooters fire 30 darts total across six rounds.

There are several specific styles of competition practiced today. One is a target shooting style based on the Japanese fukiya. In this version, the bullseye is 160 cm or 63 inches above the floor. Another style is the Field Style, which is similar to a winter Biathlon. In this version, a shooter runs from a starting line to a target lane. They must shoot and retrieve darts before moving to the next station. A third style is the Long Distance target shoot. In this event, three darts are fired, and at least one must stick in the target. The distance between the shooter and the target increases in each round.

Because blowguns can be dangerous, laws vary greatly by location. In Guatemala, a law passed in the 1930s outlawed them to protect small game. This helped cause a decline in blowgun use there. In the United Kingdom and Australia, they are categorized as offensive weapons. This means it is illegal to possess or sell them, though antiques are exempt. Canada classifies the blowgun as a prohibited weapon. Any imported blowguns must be deactivated by drilling a hole or blocking the tube. In the United States, the state of California considers them illegal. The Republic of Ireland also classifies them as illegal offensive weapons.