Kaskara, european (?) blade

[Jim McDougall]

Beautifully stated Ibrahiim!
You make a very good point, that jewellery and the decorative motif on arms, particularly in Africa, are very much connected. There is a magnificent book on African jewellery by Angela Fisher titled "Africa Adorned". The amazing photos of the various forms and symbols used in all manner of these adornments reveal remarkable similarities to motifs often used on weapons.
As you note, the complexities of tribal interaction and these vast trade networks are undoubtedly the conduit for most of the diffusion of so many influences between cultural spheres. That is one of the joys of ethnographic arms study, investigating how these have come together via the material culture and work of these artisans.

[kronckew]

hi y'all;

better pics of the script cartouches, which are different on either side. thanks for your comments.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by kronckew

hi y'all;

better pics of the script cartouches, which are different on either side. thanks for your comments.

Two Holy Quran sayings or verses ... (Roughly/approximate translation.)
Top. The one who comes to argue and shout with you...Stay calm ...God will be with you...
Bottom. God is Great. Thanks be to God..


Being of the Holy Quran this form of blade mark is Talismanic.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

The toe of the scabbard( and design motifs on the scabbard face and back are almost identical to another on the front page ... at

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=435

and below from http://www.vikingsword.com/lew/archive.html a superb collection of the late Lew Waldman.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi

[kronckew]

many thanks, ibrahim. good info.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

I wonder did you see the essay at http://iainnorman.com/

[kronckew]

i have, now. thanks. was very interesting.