wonderful Flyssa

Dom · 6th April 2010, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

I would point out that in North Africa, swords remain very much in use into present times.
There was considerable rebellion and warfare against French dominion in these regions in the 1960's including Kabylia. Perhaps a sword made carrying traditional style would have been quite important to a participating warrior?

Hi Jim
believe me, I'm really sorry if I play spoilsport

but at more than one title I should like to clarified your ideas

In Algeria, dated 1859, the ban on arms trade was effective,
After the "revolt" of 1871, which actively participated Ifïlissen (Kabyle tribe men blacksmith, and "flissa" manufacturers), they were heavily taxed.
Away from the main lines of communication, their industry collapsed.
The swords could not withstand competition guns and gunsmiths had neither the time nor the opportunity to embrace this new technology.

Also, as former fighter during Algeria war (1960/61) I never saw, even heard that some one has collected a "flissa" from rebels

then, I spent 6 years in Algeria those last years, without saw a single one,
my staff mainly 70% of them was Kabyles, never tell me that, it was remaining "flissa" in their homes
my Tagui guys offered me, some "takoubas épées" ... beautiful for them, but just good for tourists
my position of GM with over than 750 staffs was the best to collect if any available

unfortunatly NOTHING remained on spot, every thing have being transfered since the beginning of the 20th to abroad

I realize that I closed doors, and I don't bring more informations, I apologize

à +

Dom

Jim McDougall · 6th April 2010, 05:11 AM

Hi Dom,
This is absolutely outstanding information Dom!! Please dont apologize, this is exactly the kind of valuable input I have always hoped for in these discussions, actual firsthand observations.
My comments were of course based on speculation from notes through the years and examples seen, but without direct information such as you have provided here.
I still believe that these rather unusual variations occurred later in the 19th century, and the rough execution of the motif suggests somewhat less than skilled work on many of them. The note that confirms the collapse of the well established sword making industry in Kabylia after 1871 confirms the note by Lacoste that there was dramatic decrease in quality in these weapons by that time (paraphrased from conversations with Louis Pierre Cavaille).

Thank you so much for adding this Dom, and as always for your valuable contributions in these discussions. My notes are amended accordingly

All the very best,
Jim

Emanuel · 21st April 2010, 12:13 AM

Hello Chregu,

Nice flyssa. Could you post some pictures from the side, showing the spine of the blade? It looks like the blade might have been shortened in the past. The decoration on the face of the blade goes almost to the point in an uncharacteristic manner.
Also could you show the hilt from the side? I can't see any sign of small tacks or nails that would have held brass sheet on the hilt.

Regards,
Emanuel

6th April 2010, 05:11 AM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,454	Hi Dom, This is absolutely outstanding information Dom!! Please dont apologize, this is exactly the kind of valuable input I have always hoped for in these discussions, actual firsthand observations. My comments were of course based on speculation from notes through the years and examples seen, but without direct information such as you have provided here. I still believe that these rather unusual variations occurred later in the 19th century, and the rough execution of the motif suggests somewhat less than skilled work on many of them. The note that confirms the collapse of the well established sword making industry in Kabylia after 1871 confirms the note by Lacoste that there was dramatic decrease in quality in these weapons by that time (paraphrased from conversations with Louis Pierre Cavaille). Thank you so much for adding this Dom, and as always for your valuable contributions in these discussions. My notes are amended accordingly All the very best, Jim

21st April 2010, 12:13 AM	#3
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	Hello Chregu, Nice flyssa. Could you post some pictures from the side, showing the spine of the blade? It looks like the blade might have been shortened in the past. The decoration on the face of the blade goes almost to the point in an uncharacteristic manner. Also could you show the hilt from the side? I can't see any sign of small tacks or nails that would have held brass sheet on the hilt. Regards, Emanuel