Turkish archer's Thumb Ring "Zihgir", 16th century

Turkish archer's Thumb Ring (Zihgir) made of nephrite, gold, diamonds and rubies, 16th century. Turkish archers shot with thumb releases. “Zihgir” is a piece of equipment designed to protect the thumb and aid the draw during archery. Turkish thumb rings were made of wood, metal, ivory, bone, horn or leather. These rings signified that the person wearing them was a warrior.