Period Photos of People with Ethnographic Arms

[Iain]

Since the thread with period photos of Sahel region warriors was well received, I thought why not start a general thread on historic photos of people with ethnographic arms.

I often come across old photos from all across the world and it could be nice to maintain a general thread to share these important records of a past time.

I'll start off with this photo. Perhaps we can all try to keep a similar format of information about each photo to make things easy to read?


Where: Tunis.
When: 1931.
Who: A eunuch guarding a harem gate.
Weapons visible: A nimcha.
Source if known: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nationa...n/photostream/

[Devadatta]

Hello, that could be a good topic, I personally collect old photos of people with cold-arms, there are several ethnical types among them.

Yemen, Oman, Saudi, Jordan

[Devadatta]

More...

[Devadatta]

Jordan Arab Legion:

[Devadatta]

And one of my favorite photos, latest purchase - yet on the way to me so I show you scan of previous owner with his watermarks, soon it'll arrive. Arab volunteer at battle for Jerusalem, he has a shibriya dagger at his belt.

[Devadatta]

One more found, also from my collection

[colin henshaw]

Here's a couple of images of Acholi warriors in Uganda, with their shields and spears. From the book "Uganda to Khartoum" by A B Lloyd 1906.

[Stan S.]

Maratha boys with tulwars. Bombay. 2nd half of the 19th century

[Berkley]

Where: Nepal
When: c. 1868
Who: A group of Nepalese Magar tribesmen
Weapons visible: Kukri, self-bow, kora (AKA khunda)
Source if known: The People of India : A series of photographic illustrations, with descriptive letterpress, of the races and tribes of Hindustan originally prepared under the authority of the government of India, and reproduced by J. Forbes Watson and John William Kaye between 1868 - 1875 LINK

[Norman McCormick]

Hi,
Photos with titles taken from the book Berkley quoted.
Regards,
Norman.

P.S. The link Berkley provided has an excellent variety of photographs.

[Norman McCormick]

More.

[Norman McCormick]

Weapons of the Maharajah of Scindia C1875.

[Iain]

Thank you to all for continuing to post fascinating photos. For me these images, from times when the items in our collections were still in use, is a true window into the history of what we have.

I'll continue with another.

Where: Congo
When: assumed early 1900s.
Who: Mongelima warriors
Weapons visible: Spears, shields, bow, long knife.
Source if known: Old Belgian postcard.

[David R]

Satsuma Samurai of the Boshin War period, ie the real "Last Samurai". Armed with Katana and Wakizashi.

[David R]

Estate Guards , Japan in the 1860's, armed with naginata, Wakizashi and Tanto, nb the leader might be carrying a katana but none of the others. Also mail armour rather than the lameller seen in studio photo's. Part of the Beato collection.
Both these photo's hand tinted at that time.

[David R]

Japan, I belive in the 1870's, katana and wakizashi, note the length of katana tsuka of the standing samurai in the casual pose, way over what's considered normal, apparently a fashionable affectation at this time. Btw, sorry if I am not managing to stick to the format, doin' mi' best. I collected these pics as costume reference for a guide to trad Wafuku. I have collected the odd (very odd) Japanese blade over the years, but an area too rich for me nowadays, alas.

[Norman McCormick]

More Khyber warriors. Latter 19thC.

[Norman McCormick]

Various Indian dignitaries. Late 19thC.

[kahnjar1]

Four more pics of Maori showing Taiaha, Patu, Tewha Tewha (Axe), and Muskets. All from late 19th and early 20th Century, Kaiapoi area, New Zealand, taken by my Great Grandfather.
Enjoy

[Andrew]

Great thread.

To the classics...

[Iain]

Thanks Andrew!

Where: New Caledonia
When: assumed early 1900s.
Who: Kanak warriors.
Weapons visible: Spears, axe, club.
Source if known: Old French postcard.

[Norman McCormick]

A group of Pathans, Peshewar 1863

[Norman McCormick]

Young prince and his courtiers, 1880.

[Norman McCormick]

Afghans, 1878.

[Norman McCormick]

Khyber warriors. Khyber rifles. Pathan chiefs. 2nd half 19thC.

[DaveA]

Bagobo warriors, S. Philippines ca. 1920's

[DaveA]

Ilongot Warrior
Source: Smithsonian image 96-10963, found in "Form and Splendor" p168

[DaveA]

Dha Myaung sword, Burma
Source: http://bit.ly/HzDqpd

[DaveA]

Cossacks

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by DaveA

Dha Myaung sword, Burma
Source: http://bit.ly/HzDqpd

Must disagree with the attribution--not dha.