Engraved Sword w/snakeskin,lizard skin Scabbard

Conogre · 30th March 2005, 02:26 AM

I agree fully with you in regards to totemic value and ceremonial pieces vs "tourist" weapons, Jim, and wouldn't be at all surprised for this to be authentic in that context vs a traditional battle weapon.
Many don't realize that in the Tauregs, for instance, even today, the "evil eye" is one of the most dreaded and protected against factors in their existance.
MANY cultures had and still have weapons very important to them for fighting against the spirit world, something that many westerners truly don't seem to be able to comprehend, thus they often lump them into the dreaded "tourist" group because they can't see any practical use for them and actually see them as silly, thus valueless.
Viewed in that light I have no trouble looking at this as a real artifact, something I said right at the beginning because of the way the wording is laid on the blade.
It DOES sound more impressive when presented as you have done though, without a doubt...well done!
Mike

tom hyle · 31st March 2005, 01:27 AM

The erroneous/culturally-specific idea that edged weapons are obsolete does indeed have much to do with the common overapplication of the dreaded "T" word.

Jim McDougall · 31st March 2005, 03:00 AM

Hi Mike,
Thanks very much for the kind words, and for the support on my thinking on many of these weapons. One of the biggest problems with the commonly held views and perspective on many ethnographic weapons is the failure to understand the symbolism and meanings imbued in the weapons themselves.

I think this is one of the most important features of Dr. Robert Elgood's new book "Hindu Arms & Ritual". In this he reveals important perspective and facts about these very topics..how those who used the weapons actually perceived them and why. Until now, the weapons of India were always simply catalogued in the manner of most European weapons, typologically and and with categoric comparisons, with little consideration or depth concerning uses or meanings. However there were often unfortunately comments best classified as romanticized misperception, much seen with many ethnographic weapons of virtually all types....for example the broadly used 'executioner' label etc.

I think all ethnographic weapons must be considered with this same thinking, and with that perception which students of the keris have already long established, the subjective symbolism imbued in the weapons themselves.

All the best,
Jim

31st March 2005, 03:00 AM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,743	Hi Mike, Thanks very much for the kind words, and for the support on my thinking on many of these weapons. One of the biggest problems with the commonly held views and perspective on many ethnographic weapons is the failure to understand the symbolism and meanings imbued in the weapons themselves. I think this is one of the most important features of Dr. Robert Elgood's new book "Hindu Arms & Ritual". In this he reveals important perspective and facts about these very topics..how those who used the weapons actually perceived them and why. Until now, the weapons of India were always simply catalogued in the manner of most European weapons, typologically and and with categoric comparisons, with little consideration or depth concerning uses or meanings. However there were often unfortunately comments best classified as romanticized misperception, much seen with many ethnographic weapons of virtually all types....for example the broadly used 'executioner' label etc. I think all ethnographic weapons must be considered with this same thinking, and with that perception which students of the keris have already long established, the subjective symbolism imbued in the weapons themselves. All the best, Jim Last edited by Jim McDougall; 31st March 2005 at 03:34 AM.

30th March 2005, 02:26 AM	#1
Conogre Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Clearwater, Florida Posts: 371	I agree fully with you in regards to totemic value and ceremonial pieces vs "tourist" weapons, Jim, and wouldn't be at all surprised for this to be authentic in that context vs a traditional battle weapon. Many don't realize that in the Tauregs, for instance, even today, the "evil eye" is one of the most dreaded and protected against factors in their existance. MANY cultures had and still have weapons very important to them for fighting against the spirit world, something that many westerners truly don't seem to be able to comprehend, thus they often lump them into the dreaded "tourist" group because they can't see any practical use for them and actually see them as silly, thus valueless. Viewed in that light I have no trouble looking at this as a real artifact, something I said right at the beginning because of the way the wording is laid on the blade. It DOES sound more impressive when presented as you have done though, without a doubt...well done! Mike

31st March 2005, 01:27 AM	#2
tom hyle Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 1,254	The erroneous/culturally-specific idea that edged weapons are obsolete does indeed have much to do with the common overapplication of the dreaded "T" word.