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Archery
One of the prominent and popular indigenous sports of the state of Meghalaya is archery. Archery is an intrinsic part of the culture of the local people, and plays a principal role in their festivals. The bows and gut are made of a special bamboo, and are of varying lengths and sizes. The arrows are made from special reeds, topped with a pointed metal cap, using eagle feathers. The feathers are interwoven near the neck on four sides, this part of arrow - making being the domain of the women.
The target is made from a certain kind of grass, and is circular in shape, 8 to 10 inches high and 3 inches in diameter. The target is affixed on a thin bamboo pole, at a height of 3 1/2 ft from the ground. A notch is made at the base of the pole and any arrow hitting below the notch, is not counted for points. The distance exceeds 30 metres. There are three ways of conducting this contest : individual competition, team competition, and fast and slow shooting.