Interesting North African, Berber? swords

Jim McDougall · 18th June 2011, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom hyle

No, that is not the only resemblance to a kampilan.
I was, in fact, considering the wooden/horn crossguard, and particularly the way its ends curve up, toward the pommel as resembling the crossguard on kampilan.
It also resembles a feature common on Chinese hilts (jian style), and I spent a bit overnite wondering if they might be Uighur etc. Chinese influenced swords.
The Tunisia ID seems correct though.

Actually in perspective that is a fairly placed note in the comparison, and when considering the commonality of the crossguard shape, in an entirely free association sense it is similar. They are both blockish in shape and the somewhat subtle upward motion indeed recalls by that condition the heavy shape of the guards on jian. I did not realize the comparison had nothing to do with suggesting any connection, so stylistically perhaps the similarity is valid in degree.

tom hyle · 19th June 2011, 08:50 AM

Resemblance does suggest connection, but suggestions are not always correct; they are suggestions. One only finds out if they are correct by exploring them freely.

Martin Lubojacky · 14th January 2013, 10:23 PM

Fresh Dom´s thread brought me one and half year back - to this thread about Berber´s swords: Enclosed is photo with streight swords employing the typical handles. It is from Tripolis (Libya), 1898 - 1906

TVV · 14th January 2013, 10:40 PM

Great photo that clearly shows hilts of this type, and links them to Tripoli, Libiya specifically. Well done Martin,
Teodor

Martin Lubojacky · 14th January 2013, 10:49 PM

Thanks. It was pictured of by the traveller Bedrich Machulka

Iain · 15th January 2013, 06:14 PM

Hi Martin, thanks so much for the photo. The example in the Royal Armouries at Leeds is listed as Tunisian, but I guess this shows the style was a bit more widespread. Which makes sense.

Martin Lubojacky · 15th January 2013, 10:29 PM

Hi Iain, it is not so far from South Tunisia to Libian Tripoli. Also Berbers have been living on both sides of the border (using e.g. the same or similar jewelery design).

Kubur · 4th November 2016, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iain

Hi Martin, thanks so much for the photo. The example in the Royal Armouries at Leeds is listed as Tunisian, but I guess this shows the style was a bit more widespread. Which makes sense.

Royal armouries Leeds

14th January 2013, 10:23 PM	#3
Martin Lubojacky Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 843	Fresh Dom´s thread brought me one and half year back - to this thread about Berber´s swords: Enclosed is photo with streight swords employing the typical handles. It is from Tripolis (Libya), 1898 - 1906 Attached Images

14th January 2013, 10:40 PM	#4
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,664	Great photo that clearly shows hilts of this type, and links them to Tripoli, Libiya specifically. Well done Martin, Teodor Last edited by TVV; 15th January 2013 at 01:39 AM.

19th June 2011, 08:50 AM	#2
tom hyle Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 1,254	Resemblance does suggest connection, but suggestions are not always correct; they are suggestions. One only finds out if they are correct by exploring them freely.

14th January 2013, 10:49 PM	#5
Martin Lubojacky Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 843	Thanks. It was pictured of by the traveller Bedrich Machulka

15th January 2013, 06:14 PM	#6
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,717	Hi Martin, thanks so much for the photo. The example in the Royal Armouries at Leeds is listed as Tunisian, but I guess this shows the style was a bit more widespread. Which makes sense.

15th January 2013, 10:29 PM	#7
Martin Lubojacky Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 843	Hi Iain, it is not so far from South Tunisia to Libian Tripoli. Also Berbers have been living on both sides of the border (using e.g. the same or similar jewelery design).