Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Jim McDougall · 27th February 2006, 09:20 PM

It does seem pretty well established that many African edged weapons reflect key symbolism artistically rather than shapes intended to carry out practical functions.
This is often best illustrated by many of the forms of 'throwing knives' which are discussed in Spring ("African Arms & Armour", 1993, pp.77-78), in which the author notes that analysis of the cultural meanings of the weapon offer greater insight into its purpose than speculation on utilitarian application.

The 'muder', a so called throwing knife (having no record of having ever been used as such) and produced by the Ingesanna of the Blue Nile province of Sudan, is carried essentially as a 'male fashion accessory' (Spring, op.cit.).

The weapon is described as of 'female' form, the head (=striking section) the crossbar (=neck,body,breasts) and shaft and grip (=loins or legs). Spring notes these symbolic applications, as well as the local terming of the weapon ('the scorpion'....hmmm, the female association and this term seems applicable when thinking my ex-wives

.....suggest mans relationship with the natural world, as well as reconciliation of opposing elements within himself. (?). Now thats deep!!!

In any case I had to find out what all this fashion, evening gown etc stuff was about

.....
Now that I'm in touch with my feelings...I need a Bud

!!

All the best,
Jim

(this data from "Ngola: The Weapon as Authority, identity and Ritual Object in Sub-Saharan Africa", Norman Hurst, 1997, p.30)

27th February 2006, 09:20 PM	#7
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	It does seem pretty well established that many African edged weapons reflect key symbolism artistically rather than shapes intended to carry out practical functions. This is often best illustrated by many of the forms of 'throwing knives' which are discussed in Spring ("African Arms & Armour", 1993, pp.77-78), in which the author notes that analysis of the cultural meanings of the weapon offer greater insight into its purpose than speculation on utilitarian application. The 'muder', a so called throwing knife (having no record of having ever been used as such) and produced by the Ingesanna of the Blue Nile province of Sudan, is carried essentially as a 'male fashion accessory' (Spring, op.cit.). The weapon is described as of 'female' form, the head (=striking section) the crossbar (=neck,body,breasts) and shaft and grip (=loins or legs). Spring notes these symbolic applications, as well as the local terming of the weapon ('the scorpion'....hmmm, the female association and this term seems applicable when thinking my ex-wives .....suggest mans relationship with the natural world, as well as reconciliation of opposing elements within himself. (?). Now thats deep!!! In any case I had to find out what all this fashion, evening gown etc stuff was about ..... Now that I'm in touch with my feelings...I need a Bud !! All the best, Jim (this data from "Ngola: The Weapon as Authority, identity and Ritual Object in Sub-Saharan Africa", Norman Hurst, 1997, p.30)