This weapon dates back thousands of years; it is generally believed that they appeared simultaneously in many parts of the world. It is not known exactly where blowguns originated from. Although crude, these primitive weapons were extremely accurate.  Back then, blowguns were made from bamboo or other hollowed out woods. Blowguns are still used today for hunting by Amazonian Indians in South America. They were also used by the Ninja prior to 1500 A.D. in Japan for silent assassination with poison darts.

The believe is that they may have originated in South East Asia, for there are records dealing with its use throughout this area, including Malaysia, New Guinea and Borneo. It was probably taken by migrating peoples to what is now Japan. There blowguns carved from ivory are still intact. Blowguns are not used in warfare unless by the under strength insurgent groups, such as in the Philippines during the Spanish American war.

Many invaders fell to the poisoned darts of the Jivaro and Warandi during the Spanish investigation. And not to forget the recent Vietnam War. Poisoned darts were used by both the Viet Minah and the Viet Cong.

The most daring use was by the commandos, under the command of Nazi SS Colonel Skornski, whose men were issued cigarette size blowguns with mini darts coated with Ricin. The construction workers of the Panama Canal also faced death by natives of the surrounding jungles, who did not like the takeover of their land. The weapon used of course was the blowgun.   And last but not least were the Ninja of Japan.  It's hard telling how many foes fell to the Fugu tipped darts of their blowguns.

Many different cultures around the world have used this weapon, but various indigenous rain forest tribes in place like South America and South East Asia are the best known wielders. Blowguns are very rarely used by these tribes as actual weapons, they are used primarily to hunt small game.

Also, some North American Cherokees were known for making blowguns out of river cane to supplement their diet with other small creatures.