Hi
Thanks to Iain and Mauro for their responses to my post about possible European influence to the hilts of some West African swords. Truth be told, I made the comparison to rondel daggers slightly "tongue in cheek" !
However its an interesting discussion, so I would like to counter some of the objections made and try to advance my theory...
Quote "do we have any reason to suspect it required outside influence to create this hilt form"
Given the propensity in West Africa to mimic European forms, particularly in regard to weapons, (we have already seen several examples), this possibility must be looked at, to arrive at an objective conclusion.
Its worth noting that in East Africa, where European contact, particularly in the hinterland was very much later, this form of hilt with a guard is not found. Seme and similar sword hilts there are straight sided - as are Omani kattarra sword hilts (but this may just be coincidence).
Regarding Ashanti/Akan hilts - there is clear evidence of some copying of European forms- here are a couple of images from a recent visit to the Wallace Collection in London.
The Mende also made copies of European swords and muskets, but in wood.
Food for thought, and looking forward to more ideas on this subject....
Regards.
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