Group of Samurai by the Sphinx in 1864

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Absolutely amazing esoterica!!!

Reminds me of the 1972 movie "Red Sun" with Toshiro Mifune and Charles Bronson. Some years ago I recall some discussions and an article by Peter Bleed concerning the presence of Japanese katanas with American Indians in the latter half of the 19th century. A photo of the Sioux chief Red Cloud revealed a katana on a wall behind him.

How wonderful! I wonder what Red Cloud's impressions were of his Katana?

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Atlantia

How wonderful! I wonder what Red Cloud's impressions were of his Katana?

Actually it seems that several of the Indian chiefs had gone to Washington during treaty negotiations as the wars and events were nearing thier end in that period. During thier visit apparantly the katana was among diplomatic gifts presented to figures in Washington during an earlier Japanese embassy and the katana was likely presented in that sense to Red Cloud. The sword, while not used as a weapon by the Indian warriors was held ceremonially as an emblem of power and there are numbers of examples of U.S. and other swords known.