Forward Message:- H.E the Queen's Commissioner for the province of Zeeland

On the last day we finally get to see it. The National sport of Bhutan, archery. Over a distance of 120 meters bamboo arrows are shot at a target not much bigger than 50 by 30 centimeters. Two groups of archers about ten men each compete against each other. It's unbelievable how close the competitors dare to stand near the target. But they are able to do something we are not, which is to follow the arrows flying through the air. Dressed in "GHO's" they shout encouragement to their team mates or taunt the opponents. When the target is hit, the successful team does a short victory dance. This is a practice match. During the real matches other methods are thrown into the fray, according to Pema, one of the archers participating. Every team is then accompanied by a group of pretty girls who try to distract the opponents with provocative dances and racy songs, that have as their common theme. "You can't hit it, the target on the opposite side. If you want to hit something take a try below my navel".' (quote from travelogue Bhutan, April 2001)

Our visit to bhutan has left an indelible impression. Until recently it was nearly completely shut off from the rest of the world. Age-old traditions and customs have been preserved. Now that the door to the rest of the world is opening up more and more, traditions, religion and culture - the cement of society - are coming under increasing pressure. The same holds for traditional archery. Should this be a cause of concern? In Zeeland the age-old tradition of popinjay has survived right up to the present day, in spite of all modern developments. In "A Bow Between Two Worlds" we see that there are manymore similarities than differences in the way traditional archers in two countries, that could hardly differ more, experience their sport.

Drs. W.T van Gelder
Queen's Commissioner for the province of Zeeland