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|  22nd June 2014, 05:14 PM | #1 | 
| Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE 
					Posts: 4,408
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			For snake worship in Africa see http://archive.org/stream/serpentwor...1hamb_djvu.txt    | 
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|  22nd June 2014, 06:11 PM | #2 | 
| Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 
					Posts: 10,660
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			Iain you have described these circumstances as always perfectly and eloquently! I think Lee once described the use of a term to describe a type of item collectively  the suffix NOS (=not otherwise specified).  Ariel thank you for the clarification on that book title, I think Gav was actually referring to the title in that sense as in discussion using vernacular we often used predominant term or authors name for brevity. I often term that reference simply 'Perski' in conversation without thinking of the literal meaning. It is good to note here however for the readers, and much appreciated. Gav, good point on the trade blade aspect, and in that sense this one would be rather at the high end of the spectrum in that it may well be a blade intended either diplomatically or 'promotionally'. Clearly it went to a person of standing as we have noted that these unusual variant hilts were usually used by high ranking officials or nobility. Ibrahiim, thank you very much for the link to the snake worship aspects, and indeed the snake becomes a most important icon and symbol in many of these African cultures. It is always difficult to presume meanings or purpose in the subjective nature of tradition and superstition, and good to consider the aspects collectively before dismissing certain possibilities. | 
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|  22nd June 2014, 07:01 PM | #3 | 
| Member Join Date: Oct 2010 
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			I have tried twice to post a reply, but neither has been accepted. Will try again on another thread in the future, Ed | 
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|  22nd June 2014, 07:11 PM | #4 | |
| Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc 
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 Sometimes I have problems with the forum software timing out when I post. Also if you try and post quickly in succession it sometimes won't let you. Sounds like just a forum software glitch.   | |
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