The bow and crossed arrows were symbols of Neith, a goddess considered old even by the ancient Egyptians. Neith was a goddess of war, hunting, protection and creation.  She was often depicted holding a bow and arrows or crowned by a star over which a bow curved.  

Bows could be constructed of very simple materials, wood and sinew or more complex, sturdier materials, horn, soft and hard woods and sinew. Arrowheads were made out of stone, bone and metals.