Mystery Jewish Sword From Atlas Mountains???

Jim McDougall · 13th December 2004, 03:27 AM

Tim, Thank you very much for the direct response and for the pages for the reference in Spring's outstanding book. It must be remembered that the term 'birds head' is quite vague in description as in many cases we may be referring to a defined likeness or widely varied degree of stylization. The picture of the kopis posted by Yannis illustrates a stylized birdhead with hooked beak which forms the nock for the base of the hand. The trilobate pommel of the karabela is considered a birdhead form, as are the pommels of the so called Berber sabres and the Algerian flyssa (both highly stylized to where there is considerable dispute over what creature may be represented).

The note in Spring that suggests an Asian rather than Mediterranean origin for the kopis presents an interesting suggestion for further research on the development of these fascinating weapons.

Rivkin, interesting note on the allowing of certain of the Jewish population carrying weapons within the Muslim sphere in Morocco. This very topic has raised some opposition in discussions, and it is unclear whether they actually were permitted to carry the weapons as personal arms or whether they simply crafted, mounted and traded in them. Can you cite any references that might specify?

Best regards,
Jim

13th December 2004, 03:27 AM	#13
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,299	Tim, Thank you very much for the direct response and for the pages for the reference in Spring's outstanding book. It must be remembered that the term 'birds head' is quite vague in description as in many cases we may be referring to a defined likeness or widely varied degree of stylization. The picture of the kopis posted by Yannis illustrates a stylized birdhead with hooked beak which forms the nock for the base of the hand. The trilobate pommel of the karabela is considered a birdhead form, as are the pommels of the so called Berber sabres and the Algerian flyssa (both highly stylized to where there is considerable dispute over what creature may be represented). The note in Spring that suggests an Asian rather than Mediterranean origin for the kopis presents an interesting suggestion for further research on the development of these fascinating weapons. Rivkin, interesting note on the allowing of certain of the Jewish population carrying weapons within the Muslim sphere in Morocco. This very topic has raised some opposition in discussions, and it is unclear whether they actually were permitted to carry the weapons as personal arms or whether they simply crafted, mounted and traded in them. Can you cite any references that might specify? Best regards, Jim