Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Jim McDougall · 1st April 2010, 05:14 AM

Hi Chregu,
This truly is an attractive sword, and while it has a degree of age, it is most likely a 20th century interpretive traditional example, perhaps produced tribally in Kabyle regions. In Kabylia the acquisition of a sword by the young man has long been a kind of rite of passage. I would suggest perhaps this was made in that sense as while attractive, the detail is not as crisp as with those during the period of the known use of the form.

We have had many discussions on the flyssa through the years, with the usual opposing views on its probable origins. Whatever the case, it does not seem to be a weapon that was well established before the early 19th century. By the term 'flyssa' (French transliteration for the Iflysen tribes of the Kabyle Berbers, who were the tribal group apparantly producing these), the first reference is c.1827 in narrative by Spanish envoy.

The earliest example I have seen with provenance, and in the form we recognize in most in collections, was 1857 and captured by the French Foreign Legion in combat. It is noted by Camille Lacoste-Dujardin (1958) that by the 1860's the quality had begun to degrade, and while uncertain, it would seem thier actual use in general had greatly declined or ceased. As in many cases with edged weapons, thier traditional presence in tribal tradition probably remained in place well into the next century.

The hilt on this one seems wood, and the blade similar to Ottoman type swords of latter 19th c.into 20th c. . The early yataghans that are often suggested to have influenced original flyssa form were from 16th century and had a straight back with extremely deep belly blade.

I am attaching some illustrations of the typical flyssa hilt, which is an extremely stylized creature, often suggested to be a camel, at the pommel. Here can be seen the profuse geometric designs, especially the triangular linear motif, designed to protect against the evil eye in the folk religion of Berbers of these regions. Most of these designs and figures carry apotropaic properties, thus even when crudely done, the meaning prevails.

A very interesting piece which carries ethnographic native charm well.

All very best regards,
Jim

ref:
"Sabre Kabyles, Etude des Flyssa du Musee de l'Homme" by Camille Lacoste-Dujardin
Journal de la Societe des Africanistes
XXVIII , 1958

1st April 2010, 05:14 AM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,194	Hi Chregu, This truly is an attractive sword, and while it has a degree of age, it is most likely a 20th century interpretive traditional example, perhaps produced tribally in Kabyle regions. In Kabylia the acquisition of a sword by the young man has long been a kind of rite of passage. I would suggest perhaps this was made in that sense as while attractive, the detail is not as crisp as with those during the period of the known use of the form. We have had many discussions on the flyssa through the years, with the usual opposing views on its probable origins. Whatever the case, it does not seem to be a weapon that was well established before the early 19th century. By the term 'flyssa' (French transliteration for the Iflysen tribes of the Kabyle Berbers, who were the tribal group apparantly producing these), the first reference is c.1827 in narrative by Spanish envoy. The earliest example I have seen with provenance, and in the form we recognize in most in collections, was 1857 and captured by the French Foreign Legion in combat. It is noted by Camille Lacoste-Dujardin (1958) that by the 1860's the quality had begun to degrade, and while uncertain, it would seem thier actual use in general had greatly declined or ceased. As in many cases with edged weapons, thier traditional presence in tribal tradition probably remained in place well into the next century. The hilt on this one seems wood, and the blade similar to Ottoman type swords of latter 19th c.into 20th c. . The early yataghans that are often suggested to have influenced original flyssa form were from 16th century and had a straight back with extremely deep belly blade. I am attaching some illustrations of the typical flyssa hilt, which is an extremely stylized creature, often suggested to be a camel, at the pommel. Here can be seen the profuse geometric designs, especially the triangular linear motif, designed to protect against the evil eye in the folk religion of Berbers of these regions. Most of these designs and figures carry apotropaic properties, thus even when crudely done, the meaning prevails. A very interesting piece which carries ethnographic native charm well. All very best regards, Jim ref: "Sabre Kabyles, Etude des Flyssa du Musee de l'Homme" by Camille Lacoste-Dujardin Journal de la Societe des Africanistes XXVIII , 1958 Attached Images