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Old 17th May 2011, 10:21 AM   #39
Atlantia
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So, I'm still on the fence here.
It's only when you start searching that you realise just how widespread axes of this general type are and how subtle the differences can be. Across the world for thousands of years.

These certainly seem to share similarites with several distinct ethnographic types.

The Crescent shape and circular shaft hole are commonplace amongst Indian/Indo-Persian axes, which are also often small.
So are they Indian as Runjeet suggested?
There's certainly a compelling argument for that origin.

Are they a 'shepherds axe' or 'walking axe' from eastern Europe?
I'd have to say that on the evidence of them being uncomfortable to hold and having the circular shaft hole, I'd say no they are not.
However, are they one of the specifically weaponised versions mentioned?
Or a 'smugglers axe'......
I'd say Possibly.

Are they an obscure Arab form, such as those from Habban?
Again, there are certain similarities.




It's tasking me now.

Last edited by Atlantia; 17th May 2011 at 11:26 AM.
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