# A global database on blowguns with links to geography and language

## TL;DR

This paper creates a global database of blowguns, linking their types to geography and language to reveal cultural and regional patterns.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a global blowgun database and extends a classification system to show cultural connections beyond geography.

## Key findings

- Geography partially explains blowgun type distribution, but cultural connections are evident within regions.
- Darts are the most common projectiles, especially when used with toxins like curare.
- Austronesian language speakers show clade-specific blowgun use patterns.

## Abstract

The blowgun is a weapon that employs the force of breath for expelling a projectile and has been traditionally used for hunting and (occasionally) war. The use of blowguns extends to ancient times and is advantageous in dense-forest areas of South America and South East Asia. A classification system of blowgun types introduced in 1948 for South America is extended here. We assembled a global database that includes collection data and ethnographic accounts of blowgun types and other related features that were linked to available linguistic information. Our analyses show that geography explains the distribution of blowgun types to some degree, but within regions of the world it is possible to identify cultural connections. Darts are by far the most used projectiles and in combination with toxins (e.g. curare), these weapons reach their highest potential. A case study on the use of blowguns in groups of Austronesian language speakers shows clade-specific preferences across the tree. Our comprehensive database provides a general overview of large-scale patterns and suggests that incorporation of other related data (e.g. sights, mouthpieces, quivers) would enhance the understanding of fine-scale cultural patterns.