Howling Arrow

In so-called "singing arrows" (howling arrows), the bulbous arrowhead has one or more channels or holes.

The wind creates whistling or humming sounds.

Some are very loud and can be heard far away.

Many variations of sounds are possible.

It's primarily a kind of whistling. But there are also humming and "polyphonic" sounds.

Use of howling arrows

War

In the past, howling arrows were used as signaling devices, for example, to coordinate troop formations and the like, to intimidate the enemy, or to scare and panic horses. These arrows were also used to transmit messages. The message was tied to the arrow and shot into fortresses or camps, for example. The whistle of the arrow signaled the new message.

hunting

Howling arrows are often used for hunting. They can be used to irritate or confuse birds in various ways. They either land or fly in denser flocks. In both cases, the probability of hitting the target with the hunting arrows used in response increases.

ritual

The sound of a fired arrow is said to avert disasters, drive away evil spirits, purify the atmosphere, and/or bring good luck. For example, in Japan, arrows are fired over the birthplace of a child at the birth of a child, or over the house of the ill person in the case of illness. It was customary for the samurai to fire howling arrows back and forth at the start of battle to bring good luck to their own army.