What kind of African blade is this?

apolaki · 17th September 2015, 09:31 PM

I believe it is Aftican, does anyone know specifics and cultural meaning of the symbols? Thanks

Ian · 17th September 2015, 10:08 PM

The mounted figure reminds me of Benin sculpture. Cannot help with the blade decoration.

Ian.

apolaki · 18th September 2015, 07:28 AM

Thanks for the lead Ian. I can't seem to find another Benin example exactly like it. I seen some with similar blade form or having the cross symbol, but none with the man riding a horse as a pommel.. None with all three components.

VANDOO · 18th September 2015, 07:37 AM

IT MAY BE FROM THE DAHOMEY CULTURE ALSO LOOK UNDER BENIN AND ASHANTI GROUPS. A NICE ITEM. THE YORUBA ALSO DO GOOD METAL WORK, IRON, BRONZE AND BRASS.

Ian · 18th September 2015, 08:00 AM

Apolaki:

The close up picture of the mounted figure really looks like Benin work to me. The Kingdom of Dahomey was, of course, located in what is now Benin, and this piece might date from that period although I think it is later. There are some nice examples of Dahomey/Benin art in the Pitt-Rivers Museum in Oxford, and you can see some of it here http://www.gutenberg.org/files/44014...-h/44014-h.htm

There are a number of swords/knives shown on that site, some of which resemble the shape of your blade, some have piercings to the blade with incised marks, and a couple have figural hilts, but none show all of the features on your example.

Nice sword and I hope you can find the answers to your questions.

Regards,

Ian.

Tim Simmons · 18th September 2015, 08:08 AM

It is a representation of Ogun on horse back as a warrior. Main aspects, God of hunting, iron and warfare. There are more aspects to Ogun than just the three things mentioned.

17th September 2015, 09:31 PM	#1
apolaki Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 160	What kind of African blade is this? I believe it is Aftican, does anyone know specifics and cultural meaning of the symbols? Thanks Attached Images

18th September 2015, 07:28 AM	#3
apolaki Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 160	Thanks for the lead Ian. I can't seem to find another Benin example exactly like it. I seen some with similar blade form or having the cross symbol, but none with the man riding a horse as a pommel.. None with all three components. Attached Images

18th September 2015, 08:08 AM	#6
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,925	It is a representation of Ogun on horse back as a warrior. Main aspects, God of hunting, iron and warfare. There are more aspects to Ogun than just the three things mentioned. Attached Images Last edited by Tim Simmons; 18th September 2015 at 08:26 AM.

17th September 2015, 10:08 PM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,522	The mounted figure reminds me of Benin sculpture. Cannot help with the blade decoration. Ian.

18th September 2015, 07:37 AM	#4
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	IT MAY BE FROM THE DAHOMEY CULTURE ALSO LOOK UNDER BENIN AND ASHANTI GROUPS. A NICE ITEM. THE YORUBA ALSO DO GOOD METAL WORK, IRON, BRONZE AND BRASS.

18th September 2015, 08:00 AM	#5
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,522	Apolaki: The close up picture of the mounted figure really looks like Benin work to me. The Kingdom of Dahomey was, of course, located in what is now Benin, and this piece might date from that period although I think it is later. There are some nice examples of Dahomey/Benin art in the Pitt-Rivers Museum in Oxford, and you can see some of it here http://www.gutenberg.org/files/44014...-h/44014-h.htm There are a number of swords/knives shown on that site, some of which resemble the shape of your blade, some have piercings to the blade with incised marks, and a couple have figural hilts, but none show all of the features on your example. Nice sword and I hope you can find the answers to your questions. Regards, Ian.