African cuirass?

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

... Returning to the West African scene, I looked again toward the 'cults' , in which the most prevalent and notable was that of the "Leopard Society', which seems to have had a history of tribal tradition going back many years. However by the 19th century into early 20th, these warrior groups had become rather nefarious cults, and with apparently diverse ajendas and character.
In these 'societies' (which were more cults ), the members believed (contrived) to become possessed by the carnivorous animals they revered, and they committed heinous crimes while 'under the spell'.
With the 'leopard men' , they dressed as leopards using various covers of either actual hide or material simulating the animal, and designed steel claws (much like the Indian bagh nakh). ... These 'shape shifting' totemic identies also included crocodiles, but the 'costuming ' in those cases remain unclear. While there are depictions of the leopard men, I am not aware of similar of 'crocodile men'...

Dear Jim, i followed your perspective and am now coming from the reading of a blog well detailed on the moves of these leopard men beasts; simply horrifying.
Concerning the (apparent) non existence of other wild animals 'vests', the blogger argues that:

In fact, in the underworld of African cults and sects, there were Cults devoted to Baboons and Crocodiles that acted like their totemic animals, imitating their behavior and killing as they acted in the wild. The leopard, however, was the largest and most feared of the Cults for being considered a strong animal and responsible for guiding the dead in the other world.

This could be an explanation. Yet we still see a 'missing link' between putting on an animal hide and building a metal chest cuirass covered with a portion of skin.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by fernando

Dear Jim, i followed your perspective and am now coming from the reading of a blog well detailed on the moves of these leopard men beasts; simply horrifying.
Concerning the (apparent) non existence of other wild animals 'vests', the blogger argues that:

In fact, in the underworld of African cults and sects, there were Cults devoted to Baboons and Crocodiles that acted like their totemic animals, imitating their behavior and killing as they acted in the wild. The leopard, however, was the largest and most feared of the Cults for being considered a strong animal and responsible for guiding the dead in the other world.

This could be an explanation. Yet we still see a 'missing link' between putting on an animal hide and building a metal chest cuirass covered with a portion of skin.

Thank you Fernando. In mentioning these groups, I wanted to spare any elaboration on their nefarious activities, but note that these warrior fraternities of many years earlier were apparently 'reactivated' in a more cult type character. We know the earlier members were warriors who did wear animal hides etc. as we have seen with the pangolin armor of Benin for example.
As has been previously noted, the guage of the steel used may not have been intended in the 'armor' sense as a physical defense, but as a medium to adequately support an older and less durable piece still important as totemic regalia.

Wayne, 'bonk'!!! I completely missed the steel helmets worn under hats, and I had never seen those Roman things......here I will note armor is a very unfamiliar field for me so I am way in the learning curve....so thank you!

Will and Richard, thank you for the input! every item of data and idea holds more material for the possible resolution of these kinds of dilemma. I know Im learning a lot from the research Im doing and the observations of everyone here. I like the teamwork here!!!

[fernando]

For quite a while i wonder whether the large skin cracks on Panoleon example already existed before it was riveted to the iron piece or it simply kept drying on its new host and its splitting went on taking place through time.
Any suggestions, Gentlemen ?

[colin henshaw]

Originally Posted by fernando

For quite a while i wonder whether the large skin cracks on Panoleon example already existed before it was riveted to the iron piece or it simply kept drying on its new host and its splitting went on taking place through time.
Any suggestions, Gentlemen ?

Most likely just due to drying out over a long period of time as the skin could not shrink naturally due to being riveted to a metal plate.

[LJ]

This is just a shot in the dark, but how about India as a place of origin (the skin could be from a Gavial) ? I haven't seen any other examples of gavial-covered armour but just wanted to throw an idea into the mix.

[Panoleon]

A good suggestion. I have found this crocodile armour from Malaysia:

https://nl.pinterest.com/pin/473722454563242022/

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Panoleon

A good suggestion. I have found this crocodile armour from Malaysia:

https://nl.pinterest.com/pin/473722454563242022/

As LJ has noted in the previous post, there are clearly numerous cases of crocodile armor in other ethnographic cultures.
I had come across this armor from these regions which noted these crocodile vests (termed armor in the references even though with open front as in a vest) earlier as well, and it certainly offers more perspective.

Interestingly, these 'armor' vests of crocodile hide were made by the natives of island of Nias (in Indonesia) and termed 'baru oroba'. While the OLDER ones are made of crocodiile hide, as the population of crocodlles depleted, the natives began using metal (ZINC or IRON) acquired from the 'foreign' people, colonial traders and fashioned similar vests called 'oroba s'roli'.
which means 'iron vest'.

These armor were of course used as protection in warfare with the early ones, as well in degree with iron ones, but more modern, they became ceremonial items worn in traditional ceremonies and festivals .

It is interesting to see the similarities with the history of these particular examples of 'crocodile vest' in an entirely different cultural sphere, and their advent from warfare implement into traditional vestige used ceremonially.

[colin henshaw]

I can add a little more to the "prop" option (at the risk of upsetting Jim should any of the terms mentioned not meet with his approval ) :-

a) As well as movie props , theatre props should considered.

b) Circus type shows and exhibitions in the late 19th century. At this time period there existed the shameful practice of importing natives by some circus showmen, prominent being P T Barnum and R A Cunningham ... the natives were to perform various lurid and ludicrous displays. Natives were imported from Africa, India, Polynesia and Australia and performances took place in North America and Europe. Of course, exotic and showy props were required in the performances and possibly the cuirass in question could fit the bill. Some images attached.

I won't delve further into this painful yet factual history, but anyone wishing to learn more should read "Professional Savages, Captive Lives and Western Spectacle" by Roslyn Poignant 2004.

Finally, in respect of the "diplomatic gifts" option, I attach an woodcut image of Omai on his return to Tahiti on Captain Cook's third voyage and wearing his gift of a suit of armour ...

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by colin henshaw

I can add a little more to the "prop" option (at the risk of upsetting Jim should any of the terms mentioned not meet with his approval ) :-

a) As well as movie props , theatre props should considered.

b) Circus type shows and exhibitions in the late 19th century. At this time period there existed the shameful practice of importing natives by some circus showmen, prominent being P T Barnum and R A Cunningham ... the natives were to perform various lurid and ludicrous displays. Natives were imported from Africa, India, Polynesia and Australia and performances took place in North America and Europe. Of course, exotic and showy props were required in the performances and possibly the cuirass in question could fit the bill. Some images attached.

I won't delve further into this painful yet factual history, but anyone wishing to learn more should read "Professional Savages, Captive Lives and Western Spectacle" by Roslyn Poignant 2004.

Finally, in respect of the "diplomatic gifts" option, I attach an woodcut image of Omai on his return to Tahiti on Captain Cook's third voyage and wearing his gift of a suit of armour ...

Thanks Colin, and I do appreciate the tender attention to my perceived sensitivities on the use of terms. It seems as so often the use of a term or phrase used in entries is challenged (especially in my case) as being incorrect, inflated, inappropriate etc.... I was under the impression it was OK to add input in kind. It has never been my intention to annoy or rebuke anyone personally, but to add perspective where a misused term might misalign the situation at hand.
When my wife catches me in a mistake, I just tell her, I did it on purpose just so she wont think I'm perfect

I have truly enjoyed this discussion, and it has honestly been a learning experience, and this item is a true conundrum.

Considering myself a kind of 'devils advocate 'on this topic, I do not discount any possibility, but do feel strongly that this is an African item, and used in the context of the West African warrior groups, possibly continued in use in the society cults.

The reason I think it was fabricated in Africa is that the shape resembles the other hide armors used by warriors in these societies in West Africa, most notably the pangolin hide types. The strong colonial presence provided more than adequate supply of steel, rivets, etc. of European origin which could be used by native artisans to refurbish this as described.

In the unfortunate slave trade which took place in these regions, the primary commodities used as mediums of exchange were of course, guns and powder, as well as cowrie shells. Natives tend to excitedly respond to items and materials that are 'foreign' and unavailable to them if I have understood correctly. We see many images of native warriors proudly exhibiting weapons and dress of European origin.

Turning to the 'prop' angle here.
While considering 'movie props' naturally if we are looking at this area in a general sense, items of greater antiquity, of course 'theater (or opera) items would be included. As noted, in the latter 19th c. with the publics intrigue with the exotica of natives and peoples of faraway lands, there were staged performances much like the'Buffalo Bill'' kind which traveled all over.

Naturally, there was great demand for costuming, and one cannot discount that this item might have been fabricated for same......or perhaps, taken, as is, for use in these performances. Either way, I feel the crocodile armor is a genuinely used item which has been refurbished with iron......possibly in ceremonial use,.......then taken into the the theatrical fold.

[fernando]

Excelent poingts on the Nias war armour. Amazing in that, even having to resource European materials (zinc, tin) to keep building their armoured vests (crocodiles being extinguished), they kept to their rather genuine design, with those protuberant shoulder covers, as forming a protection while allowing the arms moves ... maybe also as a fashion approach. Also amazing that, using skilled techniques to sew the eleven parts of a hide to put on a vest, such parts highly hardened through a special process, they neglected its front, which was open and without a buttoning system; as if they found it more important to defend their back, where the larger section of the hide is applied; this of course being in reality explained by other reasons... like the front being protected by the shield ?


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[fernando]

Originally Posted by colin henshaw

... Finally, in respect of the "diplomatic gifts" option, I attach an woodcut image of Omai on his return to Tahiti on Captain Cook's third voyage and wearing his gift of a suit of armour ...

And what an impressive list of gifts said to have 'escorted' such young British prótegé; port wine; gunpowder, muskets and bullets;, a hand organ, some tin soldiers; a globe of the world; crockery and kitchenware; a variety of fancy goods; animals, including a horse ... and a suit of armour.
This would make feel envious the common mortal .

[colin henshaw]

Originally Posted by fernando

And what an impressive list of gifts said to have 'escorted' such young British prótegé; port wine; gunpowder, muskets and bullets;, a hand organ, some tin soldiers; a globe of the world; crockery and kitchenware; a variety of fancy goods; animals, including a horse ... and a suit of armour.
This would make feel envious the common mortal .

Yes, quite a bizarre and diverse assembly. Seemingly however, the list of gifts provided was criticised even at the time and some thought more benefical and practical items such as woodworking tools and similar would have been better. He died not so very long after his return to Tahiti. Omai's story is most interesting, there are books on the topic which well worth reading.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by colin henshaw

Most likely just due to drying out over a long period of time as the skin could not shrink naturally due to being riveted to a metal plate.

Animal hides, skins, naturally dry out over time if not lubricated by some sort of oil or conditioner. Cracks will occur in 'dry' periods if conditioning or oiling is not done .

In the situation I described in an earlier post where I was involved with an old Spanish leather 'cuera', which turned out to be late 17th c.....the cuirass had been stored for decades, and had literally collapsed upon itself. It took nearly a year of conservation to replenish oils and establish the strength in the leather to hold its shape.

This may have been the reason for the placement of this iron liner on this crocodile armor, to add structure to a somewhat deteriorated old item. If the conditioning of the hide is not attended to, naturally it will shrink and probably pull away from the rivets as the material drys and cracks.
That is just my view of what may occur but my view is far from any authority in these kinds of forensics.

[fernando]

How about it having shrunk before and after ... and parts of it that have meanwhile fallen off !


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[colin henshaw]

Another suggestion .... Panoleon could, if he wishes, send images and a description of the cuirass to the Ethnographic curators at say the British Museum and the Pitt-Rivers Museum, Oxford. I have done this successfully a few times when faced with hard to identify items. Their holdings and reference materials are enormous, so if anyone can at least say if the cuirass is a genuine African object or not, it is them. The curator at the BM is Christopher Spring, not sure who at the Pitt-Rivers...