What type of bow did the Mongols famously use?

The Mongols famously used a Mongol composite bow.

This was a recurved bow made from several materials rather than a single piece of wood. Traditional construction combined a wooden or bamboo core with horn on the belly, sinew on the back, and animal glue binding the layers together. Birch bark could help protect the weapon from moisture.

The compact, powerful design was especially suited to mounted warfare. Mongol horse archers could shoot while riding, turn in the saddle, and engage enemies at different ranges. Warriors commonly carried at least two bows: a longer bow for greater range and a shorter bow for use on horseback.

The Mongol bow is often confused with a generic recurve bow. Recurve describes the shape, while composite describes the layered construction; a Mongol bow can be both. The thumb draw and protective thumb ring were also associated with steppe archery, although neither was unique to Mongols. Modern Mongolian bows are often derived from the larger Manchu-style bow tradition.