Quote:
Originally Posted by TVV
I personally value craftsmanship and overall quality and esthetics above materials used. To me therefore whether the hilt is ivory or not would not be that important. Yuri's koummiya is very well made, with a good imported blade and quality silver fittings, and clearly an antique. That is enough for me to call it a great example. With all the regulatory issues surrounding endangered species, there are also advantages to not having certain materials. Even if ivory is legal in Russia today, all it takes is one change in legislation to find yourself in a potential tricky situation.
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I completely agree with you about the aesthetics and artistic value of the item. I haven't come across a decent kummiya in a long time; unfortunately, the market is flooded with cheap tourist specimens, which, in my opinion, only discredit this remarkable weapon. But it's always a good idea to explore all the nuances.
Regarding the imported blade, I don't entirely agree. I believe we underestimate the skill of Moroccan artisans, and not only Moroccan ones. Often, as soon as an extraordinary ethnographic object is discovered, the urge arises to label it as "imported."Regarding the imported blade, I don't entirely agree. I believe we underestimate the skill of Moroccan artisans, and not only Moroccan ones. Often, as soon as an extraordinary ethnographic object is discovered, the urge arises to label it as "imported."
Sincerely,
Yuri