African Or Tlingit Copper Dagger

Jim McDougall · 26th August 2005, 12:40 AM

Very well placed comments Fearn!
While as collectors of antique ethnographic weapons we of course seek evidence of age with patination and such standard indicators, but we do need to remember that in many cultural spheres, the weapons still remain key in ceremonial, ritual and traditional costume. Weapons that are authentically established for such purposes in those cultures remain fascinating examples regardless if relatively recently manufactured.

Best regards,
Jim

tomahawk · 26th August 2005, 02:04 AM

Thanks everyone for your comments. I have sent photos to a museum curator per Mark's request. I received an email from the museum and unfortunately will not hear from them until after Sept. 11. Will update as soon as I hear something.

thanks again
Tomahawk

tomahawk · 27th August 2005, 10:30 PM

One of the appraisers with the Antique Roadshow program, who is familiar with Tlingit artifacts, provided the following info about my copper Tlinget dagger:

The pommel of your dagger appears to be "in the style" of NWC art. It is
possible that it is native manufactured but by an unskilled artisan. The
construction (how the pommel is fixed to the blade) is also atypical.

The appraiser did not comment about the age. I have emailed him again in hopes he will give me his opinion about the age of this piece. Will keep those interested updated. thanks Tomahawk

27th August 2005, 10:30 PM	#3
tomahawk Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 14	Update One of the appraisers with the Antique Roadshow program, who is familiar with Tlingit artifacts, provided the following info about my copper Tlinget dagger: The pommel of your dagger appears to be "in the style" of NWC art. It is possible that it is native manufactured but by an unskilled artisan. The construction (how the pommel is fixed to the blade) is also atypical. The appraiser did not comment about the age. I have emailed him again in hopes he will give me his opinion about the age of this piece. Will keep those interested updated. thanks Tomahawk

26th August 2005, 12:40 AM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,590	Very well placed comments Fearn! While as collectors of antique ethnographic weapons we of course seek evidence of age with patination and such standard indicators, but we do need to remember that in many cultural spheres, the weapons still remain key in ceremonial, ritual and traditional costume. Weapons that are authentically established for such purposes in those cultures remain fascinating examples regardless if relatively recently manufactured. Best regards, Jim

26th August 2005, 02:04 AM	#2
tomahawk Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 14	Thanks everyone for your comments. I have sent photos to a museum curator per Mark's request. I received an email from the museum and unfortunately will not hear from them until after Sept. 11. Will update as soon as I hear something. thanks again Tomahawk