Period Photos of People with Ethnographic Arms

[Iain]

Since the thread with period photos of Sahel region warriors was well received, I thought why not start a general thread on historic photos of people with ethnographic arms.

I often come across old photos from all across the world and it could be nice to maintain a general thread to share these important records of a past time.

I'll start off with this photo. Perhaps we can all try to keep a similar format of information about each photo to make things easy to read? :)


Where: Tunis.
When: 1931.
Who: A eunuch guarding a harem gate.
Weapons visible: A nimcha.
Source if known: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nationaalarchief/5597581224/in/photostream/

[Devadatta]

Hello, that could be a good topic, I personally collect old photos of people with cold-arms, there are several ethnical types among them.

Yemen, Oman, Saudi, Jordan

[Devadatta]

More...

[Devadatta]

Jordan Arab Legion:

[Devadatta]

And one of my favorite photos, latest purchase - yet on the way to me so I show you scan of previous owner with his watermarks, soon it'll arrive. Arab volunteer at battle for Jerusalem, he has a shibriya dagger at his belt.

[Devadatta]

One more found, also from my collection

[Devadatta]

Also...

These are reprints but anyway I purchased them. Bedouins of Palestine.

[Devadatta]

Young Palestinian with shibria dagger

[Devadatta]

Also reprint - Omani sultan Qaboos with royal dagger

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Also reprint - Omani sultan Qaboos with royal dagger


Salaams Devadatta It appears that this is not he. ... checking...ah yes this is his father of course... Sultan Said bin Taimour in the USA in 1938.
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Devadatta]

Oh I'm so sorry, that's other sultan, the original photo dates back to 1938 so am I right that's Said bin Taimur?

P.S. Ah, I see your reply now, thanks!

[Iain]

Thanks for a great start to this thread guys. To keep it going...

Where: Congo.
When: unknown.
Who: Warrior and his wife.
Weapons visible: A spear.
Source if known: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3c/Congo_warrior_Negroid_Negroe_Black_African_spear_c ouple.png

[A.alnakkas]

Great photos guys!

Included is the picture of the Amir of Kuwait, he is wielding a badawi saif.

[VANDOO]

FROM THE SCARIFICATION ON THE FOREHEADS OF THE LAST PICTURE THEY MUST BE MEMBERS OF THE KLINGON TRIBE. :D SERIOUSLY WHAT TRIBE IS THIS AS I HAD NOT SEEN THESE TRIBAL MARKINGS BEFORE.
A FEW PICTURES OF NIAS WARRIORS. THE WARRIOR BY THE LARGE DRUM TAKEN 1929

[Iain]

FROM THE SCARIFICATION ON THE FOREHEADS OF THE LAST PICTURE THEY MUST BE MEMBERS OF THE KLINGON TRIBE. :D SERIOUSLY WHAT TRIBE IS THIS AS I HAD NOT SEEN THESE TRIBAL MARKINGS BEFORE.

Unfortunately there was no tribal attribution with the photo. Hopefully one of our Congo experts will recognize it!

Thanks to all for the great photos. :)

[Martin Lubojacky]

This photos are from Damascus, but that s all I know about them

[David R]

I collected these while researching Chinese Dao, all out of copyright as far as I know. Between 1900 and 1950 for the most part.

[David R]

And these from Tibet.

[kahnjar1]

One of my great grandfathers pics. He was press agent at the turn of the 19th/20th century.

[Spunjer]

When: turn of 20th c.
Where: Basilan
Who:Datu Kalun and Family
Weapons Visible: Kris

[Spunjer]

When: early 1900's
Where: Sulu
Who: Datu Amir Hussin and entourage
Weapon Visible: Kalis

[Spunjer]

When: Early 1900's
Who: Panglima Hassan
Where: Jolo
Weapons Visible: Kalis and Barung

[Spunjer]

Where: Jolo
When: early 1900's
Who: group of datus i would never mess around with
Weapon visible: Barungs

[colin henshaw]

Here's a couple of images of Acholi warriors in Uganda, with their shields and spears. From the book "Uganda to Khartoum" by A B Lloyd 1906.

[Stan S.]

Maratha boys with tulwars. Bombay. 2nd half of the 19th century

[Berkley]

Where: Nepal
When: c. 1868
Who: A group of Nepalese Magar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magar_people) tribesmen
Weapons visible: Kukri, self-bow, kora (AKA khunda)
Source if known: The People of India : A series of photographic illustrations, with descriptive letterpress, of the races and tribes of Hindustan originally prepared under the authority of the government of India, and reproduced by J. Forbes Watson and John William Kaye between 1868 - 1875 LINK (http://www.oldindianphotos.in/search/label/Nepal)

[Norman McCormick]

Hi,
Photos with titles taken from the book Berkley quoted.
Regards,
Norman.

P.S. The link Berkley provided has an excellent variety of photographs.

[Norman McCormick]

More.

[Norman McCormick]

And more.

[Stan S.]

Wow! I am blown away. I've got to get me a copy of that People oF India book

[Norman McCormick]

Weapons of the Maharajah of Scindia C1875.

[Iain]

Thank you to all for continuing to post fascinating photos. For me these images, from times when the items in our collections were still in use, is a true window into the history of what we have.

I'll continue with another.

Where: Congo
When: assumed early 1900s.
Who: Mongelima warriors
Weapons visible: Spears, shields, bow, long knife.
Source if known: Old Belgian postcard.

[David R]

Satsuma Samurai of the Boshin War period, ie the real "Last Samurai". Armed with Katana and Wakizashi.

[David R]

Estate Guards , Japan in the 1860's, armed with naginata, Wakizashi and Tanto, nb the leader might be carrying a katana but none of the others. Also mail armour rather than the lameller seen in studio photo's. Part of the Beato collection.
Both these photo's hand tinted at that time.

[David R]

Japan, I belive in the 1870's, katana and wakizashi, note the length of katana tsuka of the standing samurai in the casual pose, way over what's considered normal, apparently a fashionable affectation at this time. Btw, sorry if I am not managing to stick to the format, doin' mi' best. I collected these pics as costume reference for a guide to trad Wafuku. I have collected the odd (very odd) Japanese blade over the years, but an area too rich for me nowadays, alas.

[David R]

Manchuria, 1932, Japanese troops one carrying a trophy sword, dadao, taken from a Chinese soldier.

[David R]

A repeat of this one but with attribution, Shanghai 1937, Chinese soldier armed with rifle and Dadao.
By the way, I think this is a fantastic thread, as has been said, putting these things we collect into context.

[VANDOO]

FIJI PICTURES SEVERAL FORMS OF CLUBS AND TRIBAL ATTIRE REPRESENTED. AS IS USUAL DURING THAT TIME MOST ALL POSED PICTURES
PICTURE WITH SEVERAL BOYS WITH CLUBS TAKEN 1881 IN VITI LEVU HIGHLANDS.
WARRIORS DRAGGING DINNER HOME 1940 JUST A REINACTMENT.
TWO UNDATED AND THE OTHER ONES 1901 AND 1928.

[Iain]

Where: Syria
When: assumed early 1900s.
Who: Kurdish cavalry.
Weapons visible: Spears.
Source if known: Old French postcard.

[Stan S.]

Old fighter. Udaipur. 1935

[Stan S.]

Neplese woman with kothimora. Date unknown

[Stan S.]

Local militia. Sind. 1857

[Stan S.]

Street performers. Bombay (Mumbai). 1870

[Andrew]

Great thread.

To the classics...

[Iain]

Thanks Andrew!

Where: New Caledonia
When: assumed early 1900s.
Who: Kanak warriors.
Weapons visible: Spears, axe, club.
Source if known: Old French postcard.

[Norman McCormick]

A group of Pathans, Peshewar 1863

[Norman McCormick]

Young prince and his courtiers, 1880.

[Norman McCormick]

Afghans, 1878.

[Norman McCormick]

Nepali and Bhutia people, Darjeeling, 1865.

[Norman McCormick]

Indian troops WW1, France.

[Norman McCormick]

!

[Tim Simmons]

Middle Yuat river PNG 1981.

[Rick]

nt

[Berkley]

Where: Nepal
When: c. 1866
Who: A group of Nepalese porters with baskets
Weapons visible: Kukris
Source if known: Bourne & Shepherd Photographers, Calcutta (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bourne_%26_Shepherd)

[Norman McCormick]

Khyber warriors. Khyber rifles. Pathan chiefs. 2nd half 19thC.

[Norman McCormick]

More Khyber warriors. Latter 19thC.

[Norman McCormick]

Various Indian dignitaries. Late 19thC.

[kahnjar1]

Four more pics of Maori showing Taiaha, Patu, Tewha Tewha (Axe), and Muskets. All from late 19th and early 20th Century, Kaiapoi area, New Zealand, taken by my Great Grandfather.
Enjoy :)

[DaveA]

Khevsur clansmen, ca.1910

[DaveA]

Nias Warriors
source: http://bit.ly/HGOnmW

[DaveA]

1. Atche Warriors
2. Bali Warriors
Source: Sejarah Melayu Gallery - PORTRAITSSejarah Melayu Gallery (http://www.sabrizain.org/malaya/gallery/portraits/page_02.htm)

[DaveA]

Bagobo warriors, S. Philippines ca. 1920's

[DaveA]

Ilongot Warrior
Source: Smithsonian image 96-10963, found in "Form and Splendor" p168

[DaveA]

Dha Myaung sword, Burma
Source: http://bit.ly/HzDqpd

[DaveA]

Cossacks

[DaveA]

1. Djigit performing a dance with eight kinjals
2. Caucasus dance with kinjal

[DaveA]

1. Pichangatti worn in front, AyudhaKathi (Ayuda Katy) strapped to the back
2. Coorg men displaying their AyudhaKathi

[DaveA]

Desert Wallah with Nimcha and Jambiya

[DaveA]

Turkana warriors with wrist and finger knives

[Iain]

Where: Central African Republic, Haute Sanga province
When: 1912
Who: Baya (Gbaya) Chief and men
Weapons visible: Spears
Source if known: French postcard

For me this is a particularly interesting image as the clothing and styles are quite similar to Hausa and other more northern Sahel groups.

[Stan S.]

Arms sellers at Hyderabad bazaar. Hand colored photograph. Date unknown.

[VANDOO]

EARLY PICTURES OF SOME OF THE MANY NORTH AMERICAN TRIBES.
1. CHIEF WRINKLED MEAT, CHIPPIWA TRIBE, NO WEAPON BUT A FACE WITH LOTS OF CHARACTER. :)
2. FOUR BLACKFOOT WARRIORS WITH RIFLES ON HORSEBACK 1920
3. TWO MESCALARO APACHE ONE WITH RIFLE, 1884
4. DRAWING OF CROW WARRIOR WITH WAR CLUB WITH METAL BLADE.
5. LOTS OF WARRIORS ON HORSEBACK RIFLES AND LANCES 1909 THE LAST GREAT INDIAN COUNCILS LITTLEHORN MONTANA.
6. 4 UTE WARRIORS IN FRONT OF TEPEES, RIFLES, 1874
7. TWO PAWNEE WARRIORS ONE WITH TOMAHAWK AND ONE RIFLE, 1865
8. SIOUX CHIEF LONG DOG SEATED WITH THREE BLADED WARCLUB.

[Iain]

Where: French Colonial Upper Volta (Haute-Volta)
When: 1934
Who: Lobi hunters/warriors
Weapons visible: Axes, bows, arrows
Source if known: French postcard

[Andrew]

Dha Myaung sword, Burma
Source: http://bit.ly/HzDqpd

Must disagree with the attribution--not dha.

[rickystl]

I would like to thank all of you who posted photos here. I saved a few. Very interesting thread. Thanks again for posting. Rick. :)

[VANDOO]

DAYAK WARRIORS. NOTE DAYAK WARCOATS AND THE SIZE OF THE POINTS ON THE WAR SPEARS IN SOME PICTURES. ONE DAYAK HAS A PISO PODANG. THE SINGLE WARRIOR IN A WARCOAT WAS DATED 1909 OTHERS NO DATE. ONE PICTURE OF SWORD PRACTICE WITH PROTECTIVE PADDING. ONE PICTURE OF MOCK BATTLE WITH WARRIOR PREPARING TO TAKE A HEAD. PERHAPS SOMEONE WITH MORE KNOWLEGE CAN IDENTIFY TRIBES.

[Iain]

Where: French Colonial Indochina
When: Unknown, early 1900s?
Who: Cho-Ma warriors
Weapons visible: bows, arrows, spear, axes
Source if known: French postcard

[Tim Simmons]

Look I have got that iron ring from this chaps neck.

[VANDOO]

I LIKE THIS PICTURE AND SO WILL THE DHA GUYS. NOTE TWO SEEM TO HAVE DHA AND SEVERAL HAVE THE STRANGE AX WHICH I THINK IS REFERRED TO AS A MAK. THERE WAS AN OLD POST WITH A PICTURE OF WARRIORS ON HORSE BACK AND SOME HAD A STRANGE WEAPON. I HAD ONE AND POSTED THE PICTURE AND I THINK MARK IDENTIFIED IT AS A MAK. I SEARCHED BUT COULD NOT FIND THE POST FOR REFRENCE. ITS NICE TO SEE THE TRIBESMEN AND HOW THEY CARRIED THEM BALANCED ON THEIR SHOULDER. :) I HAVE A MAK AND A SMOKING PIPE FROM THIS GROUP.

[Freddy]

1) Band of warriors (Congo)
2) Band of warriors (Congo)
3) Ngiri warrior
4) Mangbetu
5) Ubangi warrior
6) Weapons display

[Raja Muda]

His Royal Highness Sultan Idris
The Sultan of Perak

[Iain]

Where: Sudan
When: Unknown, early 1900s?
Who: Sudanese warriors, I think it is an attempt to show Madhist period but could well be later.
Weapons visible: Spears, kaskara, note the one chap in the back seems to have one of those triple croc dagger arrangements.
Source if known: Staged French postcard

[Iain]

Time to bring this thread back. :)

Where: Sudan
When: Unknown, early 1900s?
Who: Bisharin warriors (sub group of Beja)
Weapons visible: Spears, kaskara
Source if known: French post card

[Wodimi]

yes Iain, there I will follow you, because I think it was a fantastic idea, which should not die.
Wolf

Where: Kenya
When: around 1900
Who: Dschagga
Weapons visible: Spears, shields
Source if known: Petermanns Mitteilungen

[Wodimi]

and another

Where: Liberia
When: late 1900th Century
Who: Mende chief
Weapons visible: sword
Source if known: Photo by Mr. Aldridge

[Jonno]

Dutch soldiers wearing rentjongs / rencongs.

See also: http://www.atchin.nl/Atchin/Atjeh_wapens/Paginas/Rentjong.html

[Jonno]

Batak Radja.

The blunderbuss, on the left side, is in the collection of Museum Bronbeek.

[Jonno]

Atjeh Teuku.

[Iain]

Thank you Wolf and Jonno for keeping this thread going!

Where: Niamey, Niger
When: 1924
Who: Chief Igounan of the Tuareg
Weapons visible: Takouba
Source if known: unknown - French photo for sure

[A.alnakkas]

The late Shaikh Abdullah AlSalem AlSabah of Kuwait wielding a Badawi saif.

[CharlesS]

I thought these were lost in my move from one house to another, but I found them in a major clean-up project, and was so happy to see them again!

In no particular order, they mostly speak for themselves.

[CharlesS]

A few more.....

[Maurice]

Not a photo, but a very interesting and old drawing of an execution in North Sumatra somewhere I believe...

[Maurice]

One of my favorite photo's.

A Boekat tribes headman with awesome chesttattoo....

[estcrh]

One of my favorite images titled "1873: The attendants of the Sumptha Raja, Agra Durbar". A rare photo of Indian armor, weapons and the men who used them. Char-aina (chest armor) with what looks like some sort of shoulder coverings, possibly armored, which I have not seen any were else, kulah khud (helmet), bazu band (arm guards) and various swords, altogether a bunch of guys you would not want to mess with.

A durbar was a great ceremonial gathering during the period of the British Raj. Here is a quote about the Agra Durbar from a book written in 1901, "The Agra Durbar was perhaps the most splendid and extraordinary to European eyes of the whole series, for there were seen the most powerful princes of native India in all their semi-barbaric magnificence."

[Iain]

Where: Ngaoundéré, Adamawa region, North Cameroon
When: unknown, early 20th century?
Who: Fulani cavalry and foot soldiers
Weapons visible: Spears, shields, takouba, I think some muskets as well
Source if known: French postcard

This is a particularly interesting photo to me as seeing images with shields is fairly rare. I think I spot a Sudanese style round shield down at the far end of the foot soldier line.

[Iain]

Where: Dar Sila wandering sultanate (Chad)
When: unknown, early 20th century?
Who: Dar Sila Daju
Weapons visible: Kaskara
Source if known: "Dadjo Warrior Dahab, son of sultan Bakhit (Dar Sila)". From L'Afrique Équatoriale Française: le pays, les habitants, la colonisation, les pouvoirs publics. Préf. de M. Merlin.(published 1918)

Very interesting photo from a little known group. Article on wikipedia. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dar_Sila)


There is a kaskara visible but also some sort of Arab looking saif with a very odd pommel that almost looks Tebu style.

[Iain]

Where: South Sulawesi, Indonesia
When: 1920s
Who: Toraja
Weapons visible: Spear, shield
Source if known: Old dutch photo?

[Maurice]

Source if known: Old dutch photo?

Probably, as it's Dutch text.

[Sajen]

Yes, text mean Toraja as headhunter.

[Maurice]

Yes, text mean Toraja as headhunter.

Yep that's a correct translation!

PS I like the shield. Very rare.
Here two pieces which are in the collection of the volkenkundig museum Leiden.

[Sajen]

Rare and nice, would like to have one in my collection! :)

[Iain]

Thanks guys for the translation and interesting additional material. :) That's what I always wanted this thread to be - a channel to more discussion from looking at the "real thing" in photographic records. :)

[Maurice]

Here is another interesting one from around 1870...

These are according my archives men of the Boeton island (South east Celebes), made in Java..... but I can't find the source where I got it unfortunately.

[Sajen]

Thank's for posting this image. This shield is very similar to one shield from my collection which I found on Halmahera but which isn't similar to all Halmahera shields I know.

Regards,

Detlef

[Maurice]

Hi Detlef,

That's an interesting shield!
"Taste" like Celebes indeed.... :)

It's a bit between the salawaku's and Celebes shields like the one on the image.
There were also salawaku's collected in Celebes which are now in museumcollections....
So why don't find a "cross over" shield in Halmahera? ;-)

Kind Regards,
Maurice

[Maurice]

.

[Sajen]

Hi Detlef,

That's an interesting shield!
"Taste" like Celebes indeed.... :)

It's a bit between the salawaku's and Celebes shields like the one on the image.
There were also salawaku's collected in Celebes which are now in museumcollections....
So why don't find a "cross over" shield in Halmahera? ;-)

Kind Regards,
Maurice

Hi Maurice,

yes, indeed. Have handled a few Celebes shields, they are different. My guess is that I have maybe a Ternate shield but never have seen one until now. This shield in question seems to very old which was also stated by the previous owner.

Best regards,

Detlef

[dralin23]

1

[Tim Simmons]

1913

[Iain]

Where: South Tunisia
When: early 1900s?
Who: Berber
Weapons visible: Takouba
Source if known: Old French card

Interesting image, this does not appear to be a Tuareg and I was unaware of takouba use among other Berber groups further to the North?

[Maurice]

Image on a very old businesscard (1875).
Minahassa dancers with krisses, Gorontalo.
Collection: Volkenkundig museum Leiden.

[manokent]

This is a great idea for a thread! Here are a couple of pics from an old book that I bought recently. The book called " The Secret Museum of Mankind" is undated although I think it would date from between the wars.

Pic 1 Bisharin tribesman - Near Assuan (sic)


Pic2 Rif or Er Rif Warrior - North Morocco.

If anyone can date this publication I would be glad to hear.

[Lee]

If anyone can date this publication I would be glad to hear.I also have a copy of the book and someone has created a website about the book (http://ian.macky.net/secretmuseum/).

[elv]

I have a particular interest in Samoa for a number of reasons.
1. Colonial conflict between the US, British and Germans in the Pacific brewed in Samoa.
2. New Zealand - (where I live) administered Samoa in the early 20th century.
3. I have family ties to Samoa.

[elv]

.

[manokent]

If anyone can date this publication I would be glad to hear.


Thanks Lee, Interesting viewpoint from the guy who compiled the website that I initially didn't agree with at all. However when you read the published advertisement from the 30's I can see his point. I still think that the book is a useful resource of period photos that would have been taken in the early 1900's.

Thanks again,


Mark.

[estcrh]

Two more interesting photos showing armor being worn, the first is titled "Turkmen soldiers", three warriors dressed in mail carrying shields and weapons. the next photo had a title of "hill men'', it shows Indian warriors, two are wearing mail, and look at the size of the spears.

[Iain]

Two very interesting images from around 1911 to 1915 from the Bamum kingdom in Cameroon.

One photo shows the king and the other two of his sons. I find these images particularly fascinating because they clearly show takouba in a region I did not know they were used.

[CharlesS]

I am wondering why they are holding them(takoubas) hilt to the ground???...it does look like they have both taken off their belts and slung them across the top of the takouba. Looks like a curved dagger on the ground also attached to a belt.

Interesting...

Great pic....thanks for the addition!

[Iain]

I am wondering why they are holding them(takoubas) hilt to the ground???...it does look like they have both taken off their belts and slung them across the top of the takouba. Looks like a curved dagger on the ground also attached to a belt.

Interesting...

Great pic....thanks for the addition!

Hi Charles, holding the takouba hilt down is not unusual in period and contemporary photos. Not sure of the exact reason why - a non threatening posture maybe?

Good eye for the knife - hadn't noticed that.

Here's a few examples from the present day:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikarama/2666031470/in/set-72157606151530689
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikarama/2665208273/in/set-72157606151530689
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikarama/2665253839/in/set-72157606151530689

[CharlesS]

Great pic of Moro armor and kampillan(note pommel holes but no hair decoration)...not to mention a gorgeous shield that several of us would love to have!!!

[sirupate]

that is a great pic of an old Moro warrior

[Battara]

Great picture of this Maranao (probably) datu. However the photo is a little washed out, so here is the picture modified to bring out more detail.

[Rick]

A few Moros .
First picture; a Moro of above middle class; he has a horse and a nice kris .

Second; two Vintas .
Note that the tassels on the boom-ends are most likely used as 'tell-tales' to show wind flow over the sail .

I think it is interesting to note that almost all the spears in the 'fence' ,picture 3 have 'tassels just below the blade .
I expect those were functional rather than decorative .
Wouldn't we love to own that fence .

Looks like a Krag that the soldier in the background of the next to last picture is holding; these strike me as exceptionally long lances .

And the guys in the last picture ??
Pure attitude . :eek:

Enjoy . :)

[sirupate]

Fabulous pics, they appear to re-enforce my view that what is called FMA these days is not what was traditionally practised and used in their Martial Arts until at some point in the early 20th century.
Which was possibly first affected by the Spanish training friendly Filipino's for use in their army, then the Americans and then the Japanese (of whom quite a few fled to the Philippines in the 17th century)in WW2 and Japanese MA post WW2, just thoughts that have been floating around in my mind.

[Gustav]

Great picture of this Maranao (probably) datu.

Perhaps more likely a bodyguard of a high ranked person.

[Battara]

Actually Gustav the datus were the only ones who had the money and status to afford armour.

I will also make the note that in this picture the kampilan does not fit the scabbard and the scabbard was hand painted later.

[Gustav]

Actually Gustav the datus were the only ones who had the money and status to afford armour.

I will also make the note that in this picture the kampilan does not fit the scabbard and the scabbard was hand painted later.

Jose, so this picture depicts two Moro Datu and a woman?

Would you call this weapon a kampilan?

[Rick]

I have a kampilan with a somewhat similar hilt .

The sword in question looks like it is made from wood . :confused:
D'you suppose this picture was taken after the implementation of Pershing's General Order #11 ?

I don't think it is a scabbard, looks more like a narrow parrying shield to me .

The Datu's eyes are downcast .

"A picture says a thousand words ."

[Spunjer]

some of my favorites

[Iain]

Khas warriors - Cambodia. From around 1900 I think.

[Battara]

I have a kampilan with a somewhat similar hilt .

The sword in question looks like it is made from wood . :confused:
D'you suppose this picture was taken after the implementation of Pershing's General Order #11 ?

I don't think it is a scabbard, looks more like a narrow parrying shield to me .

The Datu's eyes are downcast .

"A picture says a thousand words ."
You may be right Rick....

[Iain]

Unfortunately covered in water marks but the only copy I could find...

1910, west Kordufan, two mounted men, one in mail and metal helm, the other in quilted armor and with a kaskara. More cavalry in the background.

Really evokes the period and the people for me. :)

[Battara]

I may post more but here are a couple of favorites:

[VANDOO]

HERE ARE A FEW PICTURES OF MICRONESIAN PEOPLE FROM THE CAROLINE ISLANDS GROUP.
1. 1910 YAP
2. 1907 PALAU SCHOONER
3. 4. &5 CAROLINE IS.
6. DRAWING PELEW
7.YAP STONE MONEY AND TRADITIONAL DRESS AND TATOOS

I HAVEN'T RAN ACROSS MUCH ON THESE ISLANDS MOSTLY I KNOW ABOUT THE EXCELLENT DIVING THERE HIGHLY RECOMENDED. :D

[Battara]

Some Bagobo pictures:

[Battara]

A great picture close up of Datu Piang:

[Battara]

And now some other pictures from the Philippines - Moros with shields on top and a Mandaya man on the bottom:

[Bangkaya]

Yakan in Lamitan, Basilan.....if you look closely this is a recent photo ;)

[A.alnakkas]

Ardha in Kuwait. One of the blades shown appears to be European and the one in the back seems very similar in shape to Persian swords.

[KuKulzA28]

Where: Taiwan
When: most likely Japanese occupation era
Who: Aboriginal men
Weapons visible: spears, "machetes", bows, guns
Source if known: taipics.com

first 2 - probably northerners - such as "Atayal"
next 2 - unsure, maybe Pingpu peoples, or mountain-folks with more contact with lowlanders, as you can see one picture has an aborigine with Han clothes, and the other was hired by Japanese to fight rival unsubdued tribes
next 2 - probably "Tsou" peoples judging by the attire and short 'machetes'
next 2 - southerners, possibly Paiwan, Rukai, or Puyuma (I get the costume mixed up)

[KuKulzA28]

(continued)

[KuKulzA28]

Where: Guyana
When: tribal warfare has probably ceased by now...
Who: Amerindian men in British Guiana
Weapons visible: spears, "machetes", bows, guns

Wapishana I think, dancing, archery
Warau "shield-wrestling"
Then there's a bunch of possibly Caribs holding small traditional clubs
And then there's a wai-wai with bow and arrow (bottom archer pic)

[A.alnakkas]

Some more photos

The young boy is King Abdullah.

Also, note the nimcha on the group picture. Supposedly it belongs to Palestinian bedouins.

[Iain]

A couple of additions to this thread.

Where: Paris Museum
When: Unknown
Who: Museum display of Tuareg warriors
Weapons visible: spears, swords
Source if known: Old French postcard

Where: Italian Libya
When: Presumed sometime between 1911 and the 1940s
Who: Tuareg archer
Weapons visible: Bow, arrows
Source if known: Old Italian postcard

[Jonno]

Interesting photo Benteng Samaghani rond 1895.
Armed Atjehers with Dutch soldiers.
See also http://www.atchin.nl/Atchin/Atjehers/Atjehers.html


https://www.facebook.com/Keumpenie

[Maurice]

From Timor!

[machinist]

Some Don Cossacks by Ivan Boldyrev

[machinist]

Some people of the Caucasus, A Mingrelian, A Svan family suposedly of the House of Dadeshkeliani, and a Kazbegi family.
The attribution are not mine and I hope the spelling is proper if their descendants are watching

[rickystl]

Morocco:

[Luc LEFEBVRE]

recent find

[RhysMichael]

Some from Wilfred Thesiger's photos from his "Travels in Arabia"
Some I have posted in other theads also but adding them here so they can be found easily

[RhysMichael]

1)Rani (Female Patron of Village) with Tattoo and Face Paint Of Lingchong (Black Resin) and Wearing Silver Ear Plugs and Tibetan Ornaments; Her Husband Wearing Tibetan Felt Hat and Carrying Tibetan Sword; Both in Costume from Monpa People 1954
Place of creation: India Assam/Nefa/Arunachal Pradesh/Kameng FD Jamiri Village

2)Goan Burah, Headman of Village, in Costume with Tibetan Hat, Red Coat (Insignia of his Post), and Sword in Bamboo Scabbard 1954
Place of creation: India Assam/Nefa/Arunachal Pradesh/Kameng FD Buragaon Village

Both Elwin, Verrier photographer

[RhysMichael]

Man in Traditional Ceremonial War Costume with Woven Cane Shield and Sword 1954
Place of creation: India Assam/Meghalaya

weapon: Assam steel sword ( An Illustrated Book of Indian Arms, W. Egerton, page 84, Fig. 19, # 199. )

[Spunjer]

Where: Jolo, Sulu
When: 7/16/2013
Who: random older gentleman strolling by Abdusakur Tan Square (a local park)
Weapons visible: A barung

[Norman McCormick]

Afghan policemen, Kabul, 1879.

[Norman McCormick]

Waziri tribesman, 1919.

[Mercenary]

Peasant. Nuwakot, Nepal, 1966

[Mercenary]

South Africa

[BANDOOK]

RAJPUTS WITH MUSKETS AND DHAL SHIELDS,RAJASTHAN,INDIA

[BANDOOK]

[RAJAH OF KARURTALAH,PUNJAB-1857,INDIA

[BANDOOK]

SIKHS WARRIORS/OFFICERS ,PUNJAB,INDIA

[BANDOOK]

WAZARISTAN,NORTH WEST FRONTIER PROVENCE

[BANDOOK]

COORG MAN WITH KATHI AND MUSKET,KARNATAKA,INDIA

[Ren Ren]

Nias island, Indonesia

[DaveA]

Great photo.

Now I wonder what they were doing with that huge stone!

Here are a couple of other Nias warrior pictures. I apologize if they are duplicates.

B/r,

Dave A.

[Sajen]

Now I wonder what they were doing with that huge stone!

This stones are ceremonial, only the young men who are able to jump over such a stone can become a warrior. This ceremony is living still today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1TtMN8nXTM

Regards,
Detlef

[Ren Ren]

Thank you, Detlef!

Very interesting tradition!

Regards,
Serge

[estcrh]

Photographs of Indian armor being worn are rare, I just found this example.

Kishan Singhji, Rawat of Bijolia c1870s, wearing full protective armour, gold damascened 4-piece char aina cuirass body armour, secured with leather straps, ensuite damascened dastana arm guards with mail gauntlets, padded shoulder protective epaulettes, kula khud helmet with camail and sliding nasal, surmounted by horse hair spray and peacock feather finial, and jewelled necklaces with pendants and he carries the traditional Rajput tulwar sword.

[BANDOOK]

A NAWAB SAHEB WITH HIS ATTENDANTS

[Iain]

Tuaregs with a telek arm dagger clearly showing.

[Iain]

Series with Tuaregs in Paris in 1909.

[Ren Ren]

Of course, this is the director's staging of the photographer. But were very expressive photos.

[TVV]

A native soldier in Italian service in Italian Somaliland, so probably from the 1930s. Note the small billao behind the ammo pouches.

[mahratt]

Turkomans from Merv and Akhal-Teke.

[mahratt]

Turkmens (Tekins).

[David]

I haven't gone through the entire thread to see if this was covered already, but this is identified as an Onna-Bugeish, a female warrior of the Japanese nobility.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onna-bugeisha

[mahratt]

Circassian

[estcrh]

Circassian

Pictures from a Circassian charity event, 1908.

Circassian Cultural Charity Evening, Krasnodar, 18 January 1908.

Following devastating floods in the Kuban Region in Western Circassia in the winter of 1907/1908, the newly-formed Circassian Charity Society in Ekaterinodar [present-day Krasnodar], composed of well-off and intellectual local Circassians, organised a charity event on 18 January 1908 to raise money to help the victims of the floods and alleviate their ordeal.

The event was highly publicized and the famous Russian photographer Semen Afanasevich Shavlovsky [Семен Афанасьевич Шавловский] was engaged to document the proceedings in "living pictures". The event was well attended, and the organisers, including Prince Sultan Dovlet-Girey, managed to raise more than 2,000 roubles, a handsome sum at the time.

[CharlesS]

I think these pics are the first I've seen of Tartar style swords outside of museum photos. Great pics!!

[rickystl]

WONDERFUL Circassian photos with weapons!! Thank you for posting.
Rick

[David R]

I haven't gone through the entire thread to see if this was covered already, but this is identified as an Onna-Bugeish, a female warrior of the Japanese nobility.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onna-bugeisha

A nice photo by Mr T. Enami 南 信國 Enami Nobukuni during the Meiji period using original armour as props and almost certainly a Geiko as the model. Mr Enami took loads of pictures during this period, all of them useful as reference but not to be taken as literal representations of the Samurai Era. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._Enami
More useful as a source for Samurai is the Beato collection mainly photographed during the Late Edo, Bakumatsu, and Meiji period. http://credo.library.umass.edu/view/collection/muph004

[mahratt]

Japanese archers

[estcrh]

A nice photo by Mr T. Enami 南 信國 Enami Nobukuni during the Meiji period using original armour as props and almost certainly a Geiko as the model. Mr Enami took loads of pictures during this period, all of them useful as reference but not to be taken as literal representations of the Samurai Era. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._Enami
More useful as a source for Samurai is the Beato collection mainly photographed during the Late Edo, Bakumatsu, and Meiji period. http://credo.library.umass.edu/view/collection/muph004

David, try these links, along with the studio models there are actual samurai photographs.


https://www.pinterest.com/worldantiques/samurai-photographs/

https://www.pinterest.com/worldantiques/photographs-of-japanese-armor-edo-meiji-period/

[arsendaday]

Where: Armenian Highlands
When: late 1800's, early 1900's.
Who: Armenian Fedayeen (Freedom Fighters).
Weapons visible: Xanchals, rifles, shashkas.

Here are some photos of notorious Armenian Fedayeen and Armenian soldiers of Russia's Caucasus Front during WWI.

[Kubur]

Dr. Kaempfer's Album of Persian Costumes and Animals In 1683 Dr. Kaempfer joined the Swedish embassy to visit the Shah of Persia

[sirupate]

Gurkha in leave dress circa 1930

[estcrh]

Ottoman guards late 1800s to early 1900s, a type of honor or consular guard (kavas or cawas) in the middle east. The last image is of Joseph P. Khabbaz from around 1940, wearing the traditional uniform of chief cawas/kawas, standing under the US Consulate General emblem atop of the gate leading to the embassy where he has worked for 20 yrs.

[RobertGuy]

Interesting to see in the last few posts that the swords are all worn or carried edge up. The suspension rings are sometimes aligned to the edge but often to the back as ''normal''. :shrug: I'm fairly new to this forum so apologies if I've picked up on something that has been discussed many times before.

[Royston]

I love the staffs, anyone got any information on them or does anyone have one ?
Roy

[CharlesS]

Interesting that the fellow to the far left in photo 4 is also carrying a Moroccan koummya.

[Kubur]

I don't where this guy is coming from but I like the suma ramrod between the two pistols...

[estcrh]

I don't where this guy is coming from but I like the suma ramrod between the two pistols...
Actually I recently made this image, it was cropped and edited from the original. Below is the original image and the end result.

https://archive.org/details/lescostumespopul00osma
Les costumes populaires de la Turquie en 1873. Ouvrage publié sous le patronage de la Commission impériale ottomane pour l'Exposition universelle de Vienne by Osman Hamdi Bey, 1842-1910; Launay, Marie de; Turkey. Commission impériale ottomane pour l'Exposition universelle de Vienne, 1873

[estcrh]

A few more examples from the same book.

[Kubur]

You are amazing! Thank you for sharing all this!

[estcrh]

You are amazing! Thank you for sharing all this!When edited down you can see some interesting weapons etc. I do not know if these are staged with props or not but there are axe, a large qama, war hammer, clubs/mace, shields including the only photos showing the small Ottoman bucklers that I know of, The book unfortuately is in French but there are regional descriptions including zeibek.

[Martin Lubojacky]

Interesting to see in the last few posts that the swords are all worn or carried edge up. The suspension rings are sometimes aligned to the edge but often to the back as ''normal''. :shrug: I'm fairly new to this forum so apologies if I've picked up on something that has been discussed many times before.

In the case of Ottoman shamsirs which I could see in natura - the suspension rings are so close each other, that the sabre always turn edge up when hung.

[Martin Lubojacky]

Ottoman guards late 1800s to early 1900s, a type of honor or consular guard (kavas or cawas) in the middle east. The last image is of Joseph P. Khabbaz from around 1940, wearing the traditional uniform of chief cawas/kawas, standing under the US Consulate General emblem atop of the gate leading to the embassy where he has worked for 20 yrs.

Estcrh, thank you very much for this photos. If it´s not secret - isn´t it consulate general in Istanbul ?

And as Kubur said - you are amaizing - thanks for the link to that costumes book !

[Martin Lubojacky]

Photo with bigger shields:
Wakuasi warriors from Kavirondo, Western Kenya, probably end of 19th century

Photo with smaller shields:
Also warriors from Kavirondo, Western Kenya, 1910

I do not know, if both groups are Nilotic Kavirondo (that time also used name "Wakuasi"), or not (there are living Nilotic and Bantu Kavirondo in the same region). In any case, the change of the spearheads style and the change of the size of the shields is interesting. As far as the spearheads, I red somewhere, that the era of very long and narrow spearheads began when the export of steel rods to Africa started.

[estcrh]

Estcrh, thank you very much for this photos. If it´s not secret - isn´t it consulate general in Istanbul ?

And as Kubur said - you are amaizing - thanks for the link to that costumes book !Martin, here is the information I have, the location is supposedly Beirut, lebanon.


Cities Of Beirut & Damascus
Joseph P. Khabbaz, clad in traditional uniform as chief cawas standing under US Consulate General emblem atop gate leading to the embassy where he has worked for 20 yrs.
Location: Beirut, Lebanon
Date taken: 1938
Photographer: Margaret Bourke-White
Size: 1002 x 1280 pixels (13.9 x 17.8 inches)

[Martin Lubojacky]

Estcrh, Thank you

[Gavin Nugent]

Interesting to see in the last few posts that the swords are all worn or carried edge up. The suspension rings are sometimes aligned to the edge but often to the back as ''normal''. :shrug: I'm fairly new to this forum so apologies if I've picked up on something that has been discussed many times before.

RoberyGuy, this facet of sabre suspension is extremely common throughout many societies as it facilitates the draw cut.
The bottom fitting is usually the weight bearing point whilst the upper suspension point positions the hilt to the preferred draw point.

Gavin

[Gavin Nugent]

Interesting that the fellow to the far left in photo 4 is also carrying a Moroccan koummya.

Certainly an interesting point Charles and well spotted Charles.

Whilst not of the norm or national dress, I don't find it a surprise though, especially when consideration to the Turkish and Moroccan relationship throughout history.

Gavin

[estcrh]

Photo with bigger shields:
Wakuasi warriors from Kavirondo, Western Kenya, probably end of 19th century

Photo with smaller shields:
Also warriors from Kavirondo, Western Kenya, 1910

I do not know, if both groups are Nilotic Kavirondo (that time also used name "Wakuasi"), or not (there are living Nilotic and Bantu Kavirondo in the same region). In any case, the change of the spearheads style and the change of the size of the shields is interesting. As far as the spearheads, I red somewhere, that the era of very long and narrow spearheads began when the export of steel rods to Africa started.

Martin, here is the Royal Geographical Society description for the first image. Those are some massive spears.

Six Wakwifi warriors taken at Mumia's Kavirondo, Artist / photographer: Ernest Gedge, Date: 1889. Country: Kenya.

[rickystl]

Thanks for the GREAT photos.
Rick.

[David]

I don't think i've seen this one appear on this thread yet.
These guys look fierce to me. I am especially enamored of that rather princely looking fellow in the center whom i assume might be their leader.
"Gewapende Gajo's"expeditie Veldtocht met overste Van Daalen naar de Bovenlanden van Aceh - 1904

[Rumpel]

Photos of Greek-identifying insurgent bands in late Ottoman Macedonia. As much of interest for the accountrements (cartridge boxes etc) as the qamas and bichaqs.

Equivalent pics of pro-Bulgarian and pro-Ottoman fighters show a less 'ethnographic' quality, with a greater emphasis on modern German firearms and equipment.

Original source in higher resolution here: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Pictures_by_Leonidas_Papazoglou

[Rumpel]

Low-res, but interesting, from the Pitt-Rivers (South) Sudan collections. I hope the formatting works...

1. An assemblage of Shilluk material culture displayed on a table and against a wall, including metal arm ornaments, pipes, shiled, spears, club, leopard skin with cowrie fringe and neck ornament. Richard Buchta, 1877 - 1879.

2. Lango men cutting and straightening spear shafts using a hole in a tree, one of a series of images relating to Lango spear-making. It is likely that this print is a still taken from the cine-film made by Powell-Cotton during a hunting expedition in the Imatong hills. Percy Horace Gordon Powell-Cotton.
Date of Photo:
1933
Region:
[Southern Sudan] Eastern Equatoria Mt. Imatong Lomuleng

3. A large group of Shilluk men in a line brandishing hide shields and spears at a dance gathering. Charles Kingsley Meek
Date of Photo:
1928 circa
Region:
[Southern Sudan] ? Upper Nile

4. A man demonstrating the throwing of a curved throwing weapon with a bulbous end, on the lower slopes of the jebel, rising some 1,000 feet out of the Blue Nile plain, and with a circumference of some five miles. The Seligmans visited this location during their 1910 expedition. [nb we would now call the Gule part of the Funj tribe]

5,6,7. A group of Dinka youths at a funeral dance near Malakal, carrying numerous spears and ambatch parrying shields, and wearing numerous dance ornaments and accessories. Wilfred Patrick Thesiger
Date of Photo:
1939
Region:
[Southern Sudan] Upper Nile Malakal

[Rumpel]

More. Cool links to spear collection here:

http://web.prm.ox.ac.uk/southernsudan/quick_search.php-keyword=Spear.html

and knives here:

http://web.prm.ox.ac.uk/southernsudan/quick_search.php-keyword=Knife&offset=20.html

1. A posed group of five Zande men, three standing and two seated, one on a carved stool playing a harp, the other on a shield. The standing men are all carrying a spear and shield, two wearing grass-woven hats and one wearing a monkey skin in front of his barkcloth. Buchta made an excursion to the groups west of the Nile in 1879 setting out from Juba on 7th July and returning there on 26th August.

2. A man (identified as Sirdal) holding a large hide shield covering his body with two spears behind it, as well as a luin (Arabic, trombash) or throwing stick in his right hand held by his side. Edward Evan Evans-Pritchard
Date of Photo:
1926 November - December
Region:
Blue Nile Tabi Hills Baw
Group:
Ingessana (Gaam)

3. A man (identified as Adumfa) holding a large hide shield (with incised decoration) covering his body with two spears behind it, as well as a throwing stick (luin) in his right hand just visible above the shield. Edward Evan Evans-Pritchard
Date of Photo:
1926 November - December
Region:
Blue Nile Tabi Hills ?Soda
Group:
Ingessana (Gaam)

4. An arrangement of seven Zande throwing knives, four of which are of the same type, two more being somewhat similar, and another of a different type being a long curved blade with a thicker end. It is possible that Buchta collected a number of Zande objects on his brief expedition to this part of Sudan. Buchta made an excursion to the groups west of the Nile in 1879.

5. A portrait of a man of Prince Rikita's court (identified as Ndaura) sitting on a low bench-stool (kitikpara) wearing a straw hat and holding a deputy's knife of office (mambere).
Photographer:
Edward Evan Evans-Pritchard
Date of Photo:
1927
Region:
[Southern Sudan] Western Equatoria Yambio

6. A portrait of a man of Prince Rikita's court (identified as Ndaura) sitting on a low bench-stool (kitikpara) wearing a straw hat and holding a deputy's knife of office (mambere). Edward Evan Evans-Pritchard
Date of Photo:
1927
Region:
[Southern Sudan] Western Equatoria Yambio
Group:
Zande

7. A portrait of a man of Prince Rikita's court (identified as Gbarika) sitting on a low bench-stool (kitikpara) with a dog beneath wearing a straw hat and holding a deputy's knife of office (mambere). 1927
Region:
[Southern Sudan] Western Equatoria Yambio
Group:
Zande

8. Male warrior (identified in [1998.341.311] as Kuagbiaru) demonstrating the use of a wickerwork shield (kube), coming towards the camera with a raised spear. Although the use of shields was illegal under British adminstration, Evans-Pritchard had several examples made for him by those who still knew the craft.
Photographer:
Edward Evan Evans-Pritchard
Date of Photo:
1927 - 1930
Region:
[Southern Sudan] Western Equatoria Yambio
Group:
Zande

[Rumpel]

1,2,3,4,5. Nuer mock combat/dancing. This sort of war play was a common feature of such dance gatherings where initiated youths of differing villages faced each other in mock running battles as a show of group prowess. Dances were also significant occasions for courtship.
Photographer:
Edward Evan Evans-Pritchard
Date of Photo:
1936 October - November
Region:
[Southern Sudan] Wahda
Group:
Nuer Western Jikany Jikul

6,7. A group of youths in dance gear with spears, clubs, shields and small flags, apparently engaged in warplay with another group out of frame to the left. Judging by their body language, some crouching, others standing just behind them, they are readying themselves to respond to the aggressive advances of this opposing group, which may be from a nearby village. Dances were frequent events, which provided the main opportunity for youths and girls to socialise together.
Photographer:
Jean Carlile Buxton
Date of Photo:
1950 - 1952
Region:
[Southern Sudan] Bahr el Jebel ?Tali

8,9 Two men standing in a homestead demonstrating the use of clubs with spears in their left hands. One of the men is wearing thiau armrings which would have meant that the left hand was practically useless for brandishing a weapon. They are described as western Nuer men, possibly either Leek Karlual amongst whom Evans-Pritchard spent most time in 1936 or else Western Jikany.
Photographer:
Edward Evan Evans-Pritchard
Date of Photo:
1936 October - November
Region:
[Southern Sudan] Wahda
Group:
Nuer ?Leek ?Western Jikany

10. A relatively young Nuer prophet holding a spear aloft in his right hand, his face uplifted, showing the characteristic unkemptness of a prophet's beard and hair. In his left hand by his side he holds a spear with a very large blade and another with a smaller blade, and a curved baton called dang with metal and attachments. The dang was an instrument commonly used in wedding invocations, but was also associated with the prophet Ngundeng and thus became a symbol of spiritual power for subsequent prophets. He also wears ivory arm ornaments and leg ornaments of large strung beads. The prophet (guk) was a possessor of an air spirit (gwan kwoth) whom the Nuer greatly revered, but was a relatively unknown character before the mid 19th century, probably a result of the assimilation of Dinka people and their religious ideas. Such men were considered to have spiritual powers such as healing. Prophets were considered tirbal agitators by the government and were frequently persecuted.
Photographer:
Charles William Gwynn
Date of Photo:
?1900
Region:
[Southern Sudan] Upper Nile
Group:
Nuer ?Eastern Jikany

11. A group of four uninitiated youths carrying spears and clubs jumping in the air. They do not seem to be at a dance, and the possibility may exist that they were performing for Evans-Pritchard to photograph them.
Photographer:
Edward Evan Evans-Pritchard
Date of Photo:
1935 - 1936
Region:
[Southern Sudan]
Group:
Nuer

12. Two men perform a leaping movement (rau) holding spears and ambatch logs, and beyond them a group of men are also dancing, with Evans-Pritchard's tent visible to the right edge. The location is Yakwach cattle camp on the Sobat which Evans-Pritchard revisited in July 1935. Dances were more a feature of village life than cattle camps since people had more ready access to other social groups, and often accompanied ceremonies such as marriages. Such events were the main arena for courtship among Nuer youth, and often took the form of mock battles between village groups. The proximity of the tent suggests that this dance was held at the end of the day (see shadows) at the instigation of Evans-Pritchard.
Photographer:
Edward Evan Evans-Pritchard
Date of Photo:
1935 July
Region:
[Southern Sudan] Upper Nile Sobat River Yakwach
Group:
Nuer Lou

[Rumpel]

Last one :)

1. Just out of frame is King Aguaa-war-Akuon of Obuodhi village, sitting in his compound. The subject of the photograph however is a royal stool standing on a skin beside him, as well as the royal spear-rest, a leopard-skin and four spears lying on the ground. These objects comprised the Anuak royal amblems held by the king, which after 1921 rotated annually.
Photographer:
Edward Evan Evans-Pritchard
Date of Photo:
1935 March - May
Region:
[Southern Sudan] Jonglei Obuodhi
Group:
Anuak

2. A smith's assistant sitting on his haunches polishing metal spear-heads on a stone. Although no smelting took place in the Tabi hills, the working of metal was common and apprentices were taken on for several years to learn the craft.
Photographer:
Edward Evan Evans-Pritchard
Date of Photo:
1926 November - December
Region:
Blue Nile Tabi Hills Soda
Group:
Ingessana (Gaam)

3.A full length studio portrait of a young Shilluk warrior, holding hide shield, spear and club, wearing a fringed hair ornament.
Photographer:
Richard Buchta
Date of Photo:
1877 - 1879
Region:
[Southern Sudan]
Group:
Shilluk

4. A full length portrait of an Acholi warrior holding two spears and a hide shield. He is wearing metal arm and neck rings with some animal fur around the shoulders. The image seems to have been taken sometime in January 1879 when Buchta travelled through Acholi country en route to Bunyoro [nb I think we'd now consider this part of Uganda's western border region.]
Photographer:
Richard Buchta
Date of Photo:
1879 January
Region:
Northern
Group:
Acholi

5. A group of men brandishing spears and ambatch shields, with small flags on long sticks, rush towards a lone opponent to left of frame, apparently as part of the warplay associated with a large dance gathering between different groups.
Photographer:
Jean Carlile Buxton
Date of Photo:
1950 - 1952
Region:
[Southern Sudan] Bahr el Jebel ?Tali
Group:
Mandari

[Kubur]

Greeks and yataghans...It's always better to talk...

[Rick]

Greeks and yataghans...It's always better to talk...

Fellow on the left has a Gasser revolver in his pocket; I wonder why he didn't just shoot the other fellow. :rolleyes:

[Andreas]

Greeks and yataghans...It's always better to talk...

More likely Albanians or Montenegrins, because of the style of the skull cup, the Gasser revolver and the toka breastplate.

[fernando]

Ngungunhane, Mdungazwe Ngungunyane, Nxumalo, N'gungunhana, known as GUNGUNHANA, the last king of the empire of Gaza (Mozambique) and last of the Jamine monarchy, born 1850 died 1906 in Angra do Heroismo (Azores), to where he was sent to exile in 1898, in the company of his six wifes
... and a picture of some of his Landis, taken in 1890.


.

[VANDOO]

STAGED PICTURES OF SHAM BATTLE, HEAD TAKING ECT. ILOILO PHILIPPINES, IGORROTES

[DaveA]

Executioner, India,1903

[shayde78]

This thread is brilliant and fascinating! Thank you everyone who contributed.

[rickystl]

You are amazing! Thank you for sharing all this!
YES!! Thank you for these fantastic photos !!! We were recently talking about "Knee Pistols" in another Thread. Notice last photo on the right showing same suspended from a belt.

Rick

[kronckew]

Fellow on the left has a Gasser revolver in his pocket; I wonder why he didn't just shoot the other fellow. :rolleyes:

:) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3I_Ds2ytz4o

if you look at him at the start of the scene he looks all tuckered out, hot and sweaty - that's not from running, he had a bad case of the trots and he ad libbed the scene, which was supposed to carry on a lot longer with him interacting with the swordsman, but he wasn't in any condition to do all that, so he improvised. it turned out so well they kept it in, and a legend was born.

[estcrh]

Fellow on the left has a Gasser revolver in his pocket; I wonder why he didn't just shoot the other fellow. :rolleyes:
That is exactly what happened here.

The Illustrated London News, Volume 76, Illustrated London News & Sketch Limited, 1880

[kahnjar1]

Not sure if this one has been posted before. It appears in Elgood's Arms and Armour of Arabia, and is worthy of showing here.
Stu

[estcrh]

Greeks and yataghans...It's always better to talk...
The title on the full sized image is "Settling a Frontier Dispute". Illustration for The Illustrated London News, 9 October 1880, Artist R C Woodville. I also have seen this described as "Albanian and a Montenegrin in combat".

Here is the full sized image.

[kahnjar1]

The title on the full sized image is "Settling a Frontier Dispute". Illustration for The Illustrated London News, 9 October 1880, Artist R C Woodville. I also have seen this described as "Albanian and a Montenegrin in combat".

Here is the full sized image.
Very nice pic, but raising a question......The 2 guys coming up the hill appear to be wearing Arab head dress, so if the "frontier" is being defended, which frontier is it??
Stu

[estcrh]

Mr. Nichan, an Armenian, born at Savaz, Armenia, about 500 miles from Constantinople. He was one of the life guards of the late Sultan Abdul Aziz (he died 1876). The Ottoman kilij sword he wears, sheathed in a beautiful scabbard set with jewels and richly ornamented, was presented to him by the Sultan for meritorious services. From the book "Portrait types of the Midway Plaisance", 1894, a collection of photographs taken at the 6 months of the Worlds Columbian exposition.

[Battara]

This kilij looks to be one of those examples covered in corals and turquoise.

Great to have background info.

[estcrh]

This kilij looks to be one of those examples covered in corals and turquoise.

Great to have background info.Actually it came from an old forum post on that subject. I just edited the image a bit.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5860

[estcrh]

Very nice pic, but raising a question......The 2 guys coming up the hill appear to be wearing Arab head dress, so if the "frontier" is being defended, which frontier is it??
StuThere were so many "frontiers" being fought over during that time period it would be hard to pick one, it is possible that the backround figures represent Afghans.

[Victrix]

There were so many "frontiers" being fought over during that time period it would be hard to pick one, it is possible that the backround figures represent Afghans.

With all due respect, the figures in the foreground hardly look Afghan. It seems to me that this illustration shows two residents of the Balkans locked in mortal combat. It could very well be a Montenegrin and an Albanian, and the frontier in question would then be Ottoman. The mountain people of the Balkans have a reputation of being particularly fierce. In Northern Albania they also have the nasty custom from medieval times of blood feuds (vendettas -avenge blood for blood) which can continue for generations.

[estcrh]

With all due respect, the figures in the foreground hardly look Afghan.I said that the "backround" figures may represent Afghans.

[Victrix]

I said that the "backround" figures may represent Afghans.

Ottomans, more likely.

[estcrh]

Korean brigandine armor and helmets being worn, very late 1800s to very early 1900s.

[Albert]

Interesting logo on the chair of the vehicle (only on the cloured plate).
Is it the first prototype of a Hyundai car? :confused:

[fernando]

Interesting logo on the chair of the vehicle (only on the cloured plate).
Is it the first prototype of a Hyundai car? :confused:
The logo also in the carriers sleeves; probably some local photoshoper with a Corean sense of humour :eek:

[estcrh]

Interesting logo on the chair of the vehicle (only on the cloured plate).
Is it the first prototype of a Hyundai car? :confused:Actually the words "Hyundai" were spelled out on one of the wooden rails of the cart, it has since been edited out. I have no idea how old the colorized version is but I posted it as an example of how this type of armor might have looked when it was being used.

[kronckew]

looks more like the B&W photos w/o the calligraphic annotations and hyundai advert.

[estcrh]

looks more like the B&W photos w/o the calligraphic annotations and hyundai advert.Thanks, I was looking for this exact image but could not find it.

[kronckew]

...could not find it.

neither could i ;)

i restored it with photoshop. :)

[estcrh]

Here are two rare photographs, they show what was certainly among the very last of the mounted Indian warriors. I found the first photo awhile back, recently I ran into the second photo. These two photos were obviously meant to be seen together, they are labeled #38 and #39. I edited both photos and created a new image showing both side of this Indian warrior in one photo.

Indian warrior from Orchha. Mounted Indian warrior with a tulwar sword, wearing mail and plate armor (zirah bagtar), helmet (khula khud) and arm guards (dastana), he is holding a very long lance and there is a shield at his side.

[estcrh]

This image was posted already but I found a much larger one.

Moroccan man wearing a genoui (janwi) dagger and holding a kabyle (moukhala) musket, 1875-1890.

High resolution image https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/fa/5c/57/fa5c574528342a6a7317a19bb5e1b72d.jpg

[Robert]

I noticed that this photo has not been posted here yet.

[estcrh]

Bodyguard of the Sultan, Djokjakarta, Java, c1923.

[TVV]

This image was posted already but I found a much larger one.

Moroccan man wearing a genoui (janwi) dagger and holding a kabyle (moukhala) musket, 1875-1890.

Very nice, thanks to the better resolution I finally noticed the beehive flask on his right hip as well.

[estcrh]

Very nice, thanks to the better resolution I finally noticed the beehive flask on his right hip as well.Thanks for pointing that out!

[estcrh]

Afghan Afridi warriors, a good look reveals that two of them are wearing khyber knives, something not often seen.

High resolution image. https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/5a/e4/cc/5ae4ccb2a661033355c8820d30eb920b.jpg

[kronckew]

i see what may be a third man with a 'khyber knife' with the end showing above his belt (i circled it in red) and the ghost of the scabbard tip outlined behind the robes that he wears further down, also circled in red.

[estcrh]

i see what may be a third man with a 'khyber knife' with the end showing above his belt (i circled it in red) and the ghost of the scabbard tip outlined behind the robes that he wears further down, also circled in red.
There are a few more partial showings of khyber knives and one pistol.

[Kubur]

Very nice, thanks to the better resolution I finally noticed the beehive flask on his right hip as well.

and a koummiya
just look above the flask
for me the long dagger is a sboula not a genoui
It's very interesting, because this guy has a koummiya and a sboula.
IMHO the sboula was used as a short sword and the koummiya as a dagger.
More interesting the short sword is also called a nimcha in Morocco/Algeria.

[estcrh]

Here is an higher resolution image of one that was previously posted here. It shows two Afghans with jezail muskets. The image was large enough to see the karud dagger that one of them is wearing.

High resolution image https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/13/8c/cb/138ccbfaa76f1078899ab86b1b31a15d.png