Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 28th March 2019, 03:07 PM

Reference;
A. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=18342 #14

THANK YOU JIM ~ And a reminder for researchers to look at the early hilt and swords of the UMAYAD and ABBASSIID which were directly reflected onto MAMLUK weapons. In that package the Sayf Yemaani needs to be included.
To that we should also add swords from those regions directly in trade contact with Oman which suggests African variants that also used a flat cylindrical hilt with similar covering..and a blade very like the Omani style. Trade had been ongoing for generations long before he took power in 1806 with these regions and was instrumental in persuading Saaid the Great to take the plunge in about 1830 making Stonetown his new capital on what was to become his Spice Islands Possession.
With this in mind the Manding Sword form springs to mind as an influence although it can be seen that the Manding is pointed therefor more rigid and usually has a lot of carving in the leather work on hilt and Scabbard. In this regard it is a fighting sword but the likeness is compelling and certainly must have come into contact through trade with Omani merchants.

Reference A links the Mending region to the central African scenario which had been an Omani trading area for centuries. Below the Mending shield is shown with exacting similarity to the Omani Terrs also illustrated.

Here also see the Mending hilt with ribbed and decorated style but showing its long hilt potential in design flow..

I add the Omani Khanjar hilt showing how the broad shape "flat and cylindrical" may have stepped across to the dancing sword hilt and simply had to be elongated for balance and control of the long vibrating blade and needed a counterweight knuckle pommel on the end to enhance this.

28th March 2019, 03:07 PM	#7
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	Reference; A. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=18342 #14 THANK YOU JIM ~ And a reminder for researchers to look at the early hilt and swords of the UMAYAD and ABBASSIID which were directly reflected onto MAMLUK weapons. In that package the Sayf Yemaani needs to be included. To that we should also add swords from those regions directly in trade contact with Oman which suggests African variants that also used a flat cylindrical hilt with similar covering..and a blade very like the Omani style. Trade had been ongoing for generations long before he took power in 1806 with these regions and was instrumental in persuading Saaid the Great to take the plunge in about 1830 making Stonetown his new capital on what was to become his Spice Islands Possession. With this in mind the Manding Sword form springs to mind as an influence although it can be seen that the Manding is pointed therefor more rigid and usually has a lot of carving in the leather work on hilt and Scabbard. In this regard it is a fighting sword but the likeness is compelling and certainly must have come into contact through trade with Omani merchants. Reference A links the Mending region to the central African scenario which had been an Omani trading area for centuries. Below the Mending shield is shown with exacting similarity to the Omani Terrs also illustrated. Here also see the Mending hilt with ribbed and decorated style but showing its long hilt potential in design flow.. I add the Omani Khanjar hilt showing how the broad shape "flat and cylindrical" may have stepped across to the dancing sword hilt and simply had to be elongated for balance and control of the long vibrating blade and needed a counterweight knuckle pommel on the end to enhance this. Attached Images Last edited by Ibrahiim al Balooshi; 28th March 2019 at 03:33 PM.