How were silk and bamboo used in early Chinese kites?

In early Chinese kite construction, bamboo and silk were utilized for their specific physical properties to create efficient flying machines.1

• Bamboo: Because it is both resilient and lightweight, bamboo was used to craft a strong framework for the kite.1
• Silk: This material served two primary purposes. The fabric was used as the sail material for the kite's body, while fine, high-tensile-strength silk was used for the flying line.1

These materials allowed for the creation of early flat, rectangular kites that were often decorated with mythological figures or fitted with whistles to produce sound during flight.1