Kirill, many thanks for the links!
They are gorgeous!
It is interesting to see how martial arts were translated into dancing: a lot of both is accomplished with one or both knees on the ground. Early European travelers to the Caucasus described training fencing exercises and specifically noticed that point.
Also, the part on fencing with a shashka in the second link explains in part why this weapon had no crossguard: the style was totally different and any obstacle to twisting the sword in 3 dimensions and passing it from one hand to another would have impeded the routine.
On the other hand, the Khevsuri fight with a palash and a shield was an example of more "Western" style of fencing. Not for nothing they thought their ancestors were crusaders.
Beautiful country.....
My only question: where do the white "leggings" come from (first link)? I do not recall seeing leggings in any illustration of Caucasian clothes. Poetic license?
Once again, many thanks for the wonderful links.
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