sucker for African sickles

Tim Simmons · 23rd November 2007, 11:09 PM

As for the mambele I can only see a use for them as a striking weapon in a X form of strokes. Attacks to the head and shoulders with downward blows and Parry's from this postion, or upward strikes from similar to fancy fencing terms octave and septime and opportune blows from the side. It is well known that ideas about these weapons may have been formed to suit the times. These people were meant to be savage. As I mentioned before it is possible that there may have been some rule to certain forms of combat especially that involving the ruling classes. Perhaps some conflicts may have been fought out in quite sophisticated ways not always involving all the community and the disruption that would bring to a life based on varying degrees of subsistence agriculture and technology.

Jim McDougall · 24th November 2007, 09:14 PM

Hi Tim,
After reading your post I felt a little embarassed at choice of words ("tierce") to describe the downward stroke, which did sound a 'bit too fancy' . Also, it may have not been the correct term in the first place, but I just remembered it from discussions describing a high held position of a sword. What little fencing I ever did was back in the Errol Flynn days!!!

I agree with what you have said on the savage nature intended in combat, which is naturally quite true. It is also true that tribal warfare in Africa, from what I understand, did rely a great deal on the individual combat of select warriors to hopefully resolve certain issues.

Thanks for keeping the perspective!

All very best regards,
Jim

23rd November 2007, 11:09 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,935	As for the mambele I can only see a use for them as a striking weapon in a X form of strokes. Attacks to the head and shoulders with downward blows and Parry's from this postion, or upward strikes from similar to fancy fencing terms octave and septime and opportune blows from the side. It is well known that ideas about these weapons may have been formed to suit the times. These people were meant to be savage. As I mentioned before it is possible that there may have been some rule to certain forms of combat especially that involving the ruling classes. Perhaps some conflicts may have been fought out in quite sophisticated ways not always involving all the community and the disruption that would bring to a life based on varying degrees of subsistence agriculture and technology. Last edited by Tim Simmons; 23rd November 2007 at 11:28 PM. Reason: spelling

24th November 2007, 09:14 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,735	Hi Tim, After reading your post I felt a little embarassed at choice of words ("tierce") to describe the downward stroke, which did sound a 'bit too fancy' . Also, it may have not been the correct term in the first place, but I just remembered it from discussions describing a high held position of a sword. What little fencing I ever did was back in the Errol Flynn days!!! I agree with what you have said on the savage nature intended in combat, which is naturally quite true. It is also true that tribal warfare in Africa, from what I understand, did rely a great deal on the individual combat of select warriors to hopefully resolve certain issues. Thanks for keeping the perspective! All very best regards, Jim