Thumb ring

Today, thumb rings are used by archers practicing styles from most of Asia and some regions of northern Africa.

In many cases, these thumb rings would be engraved with specific symbols to further scare off evil spirits, demons, and dark scourges.

Starting in Ancient Greek societies, wearing thumb rings was a symbol of power, rank, wealth, and influence.

In some cases, the highest and wealthiest authorities would wear multiple thumb rings to prove their importance.

In Ancient China, thumbs rings are commonly made out of jade and worn specifically to signify military ranks or seniorities in religious sects.

"[4] Possibly, most ordinary archers historically used tabs of leather, much cheaper and easier to make, but such rings are not likely to survive.

In the 16th century court of the Ottoman Empire they had the extra function of being "used when executing disgraced officials to tighten a handkerchief wound round the throat".