Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

katana · 21st March 2006, 06:20 PM

Has anyone any information about African whips?
I have just bought a 'job lot' of African items, which had been exhibits in the 'Commonwealth Institute', London in 1964. It included 4 rhino hide whips of differing sizes and design.

1. 30'' / 77cm long leather wrapped handle with plaited knot at the base of the handle. 12mm diameter tapering to 5mm (similar to a riding crop)

2. 37'' / 94cm long, plain with wrist strap, very flexable, 17mm diameter tapering to 6mm (Sjambok ?)

3. 47'' / 120cm long, plain 20mm diameter tapering to 6mm (Sjambok ?)

4 50'' / 128cm long, plain, broken wrist strap 15mm diameter for approx. 18'' / 46cm of its length, then sharply tapers to 5 mm diameter for the final 18'' or so.

It is my understanding that whips tended to be used as weapons/ self defence and well as their usual tasks. Being of Rhino hide I suspect that they are now rare, since Rhino's are now protected (quite rightly). Will try to sort out some photo's if there is any interest. Please any info will be greatly appreciated, thankyou

21st March 2006, 06:20 PM	#1
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	Sjamboks? 4 rhino hide whips Has anyone any information about African whips? I have just bought a 'job lot' of African items, which had been exhibits in the 'Commonwealth Institute', London in 1964. It included 4 rhino hide whips of differing sizes and design. 1. 30'' / 77cm long leather wrapped handle with plaited knot at the base of the handle. 12mm diameter tapering to 5mm (similar to a riding crop) 2. 37'' / 94cm long, plain with wrist strap, very flexable, 17mm diameter tapering to 6mm (Sjambok ?) 3. 47'' / 120cm long, plain 20mm diameter tapering to 6mm (Sjambok ?) 4 50'' / 128cm long, plain, broken wrist strap 15mm diameter for approx. 18'' / 46cm of its length, then sharply tapers to 5 mm diameter for the final 18'' or so. It is my understanding that whips tended to be used as weapons/ self defence and well as their usual tasks. Being of Rhino hide I suspect that they are now rare, since Rhino's are now protected (quite rightly). Will try to sort out some photo's if there is any interest. Please any info will be greatly appreciated, thankyou