What were 19 century kites like?

19th-century kites were often made from lightweight materials such as bamboo frames and paper or fabric sails. They featured a variety of designs, including traditional shapes like the diamond and box kites, and were used for recreational purposes, scientific experiments, and even military signaling. The period also saw advancements in kite construction and aerodynamics, leading to more stable and higher-flying kites. Artists and inventors, like Alexander Graham Bell, experimented with kites, contributing to the development of early flight concepts.