Another for ID Assistance?

Jim McDougall · 17th February 2005, 11:41 PM

No problem Mike! I was glad I could come up with some useful information on this. You seem to have a keen eye for the unusual, as this item is, and it's always good to see these pieces end up in the hands of worthy collectors who will properly appreciate them. There is a world of history in these weapons, and as long as they end up being discussed on this forum, that history will be discovered and preserved.
Thank you very much for sharing it!
All the best,
Jim

Ian · 19th February 2005, 07:56 PM

Mike:

Here are pictures I took today of the one I have. Dimensions are similar to the one that is the subject of this topic. Note that the talismanic symbols are partly different. The symbols on the other side of teh blade are the same. Cutting edge is at the bottom of the blade in each picture.

Ian.

Conogre · 19th February 2005, 09:40 PM

Thanks for posting the photos, Ian....I was hoping that you would.
The amount of variation in hand made weapons never ceases to amaze me, with the diversity in some so great that similarity is almost non-existant.
A couple of questions on yours, if you don't mind...1) does the black patina look artificial, as in some chinese pieces or natural, and 2) does the sharp edge appear to be or have been as a functional piece or only nominally edged vs flat on the other side?
I had another that was pewter bladed with a wooden hilt, real but strictly ceremonial as are so many African artifacts.
The more I find out about African "weapons", the more it appears that weapons from places such as Java and the Philippines were superstition free in comparison, with many of the former intended for purposes that westerners may literally never comprehend or devine.
Ironically in almost all African sacrificial knives and swords, the cutting edge is opposite the hook or "wicked looking" parts as opposed to the Kora and several other pieces of Asian and there abouts derivation.
Again, thanks for taking the time as it's truly appreciated.

Ian · 20th February 2005, 06:45 AM

Mike:

The brass hilt has been intentionally blackened -- looks like paint, and some has rubbed off in places -- but I'm not sure about the blade. The blackening of some areas on the blade could be artificial. The sharpened edge could make the blade functional, and it may have been originally, but in its prsent state this one is unlikely to sever a head in a single blow.

Ian.

19th February 2005, 07:56 PM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,469	Another hwi Mike: Here are pictures I took today of the one I have. Dimensions are similar to the one that is the subject of this topic. Note that the talismanic symbols are partly different. The symbols on the other side of teh blade are the same. Cutting edge is at the bottom of the blade in each picture. Ian. Attached Images

17th February 2005, 11:41 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,579	No problem Mike! I was glad I could come up with some useful information on this. You seem to have a keen eye for the unusual, as this item is, and it's always good to see these pieces end up in the hands of worthy collectors who will properly appreciate them. There is a world of history in these weapons, and as long as they end up being discussed on this forum, that history will be discovered and preserved. Thank you very much for sharing it! All the best, Jim

19th February 2005, 09:40 PM	#3
Conogre Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Clearwater, Florida Posts: 371	Thanks for posting the photos, Ian....I was hoping that you would. The amount of variation in hand made weapons never ceases to amaze me, with the diversity in some so great that similarity is almost non-existant. A couple of questions on yours, if you don't mind...1) does the black patina look artificial, as in some chinese pieces or natural, and 2) does the sharp edge appear to be or have been as a functional piece or only nominally edged vs flat on the other side? I had another that was pewter bladed with a wooden hilt, real but strictly ceremonial as are so many African artifacts. The more I find out about African "weapons", the more it appears that weapons from places such as Java and the Philippines were superstition free in comparison, with many of the former intended for purposes that westerners may literally never comprehend or devine. Ironically in almost all African sacrificial knives and swords, the cutting edge is opposite the hook or "wicked looking" parts as opposed to the Kora and several other pieces of Asian and there abouts derivation. Again, thanks for taking the time as it's truly appreciated.

20th February 2005, 06:45 AM	#4
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,469	Mike: The brass hilt has been intentionally blackened -- looks like paint, and some has rubbed off in places -- but I'm not sure about the blade. The blackening of some areas on the blade could be artificial. The sharpened edge could make the blade functional, and it may have been originally, but in its prsent state this one is unlikely to sever a head in a single blow. Ian.