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Old 2nd December 2006, 01:52 AM   #10
Jim McDougall
Arms Historian
 
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Route 66
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Hi Teodor,
Thank you very much! I agree that any direct influence from China in Bosnia would seem unlikely, and such a simplistic device could easily been used almost anywhere worldwide, in fact that is noted in the symbols dictionary I cited. I find the use of symbols and markings on weapons fascinating and very much appreciate you posting the illustrations and sharing the notes on Bulgarian arms.
It is very interesting that these circles with the lines similar to present day 'radioactivity' symbols appear on these weapons as geometric motif. This is another thing that is fascinating, how certain early symbols have been adopted in modern times with meanings having nothing to do with original meanings, such as these 'radioactive' symbols and of course the swastika, which once used in Buddhism, was degraded by the unfortunate use later and remains instinctively despised.
I think your observation on solar motif being intuitively used in certain geometric motif is extremely well placed.

May I ask what is the title of the Bulgarian book on Balkan arms? It looks like a great reference.

Thanks again !

All the best,
Jim
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