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Old 17th September 2008, 04:02 AM   #6
Jim McDougall
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Location: Route 66
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Bingo!!! Nicely done David, thats exactly what I was thinking of.

It seems like there have been many atavistic resurgences of weapon styles and forms in ethnographic weapons in various cultures, but India seems to often be a case in point. The presence of ancient weapon forms occur in so many examples, and the chilanum has always reminded me of these symmetrical anthromorphic forms from Celts to the Scythians, which of course are key in early Indian history.

Even the dramatic recurved blade here that we know so well in shape from the Laz bichagi (BSY) seems to recall the ancient recurved blade of the scramasax of Hallstadt (Burton, p.263).

These weapons are not 'reproductions' in the true sense, but when intended for ceremonial or 'revival' type use, seem more inclined to utilize these classical forms. This is my opinion or perspective on these, and I always look forward to hearing those of others.

Thanks very much David
All the best,
Jim
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