Caucasian kindjal

ariel · 7th July 2022, 02:45 PM

According to Kirill Rivkin, decorative pattern of "horns" were widespread on Circassian weapons. One should be careful, however: these motives, just as Circassian influence in general, were not limited to Circassia proper, but rather to the wider "Circassian sphere" that included Chechnya, Meghrelia and other localities. Moreover, the late 19th century development of semi-industrial workshops created decentralization of decorative tradition where a Vladikavkaz ( say) workshop manufactured any formerly specific ethnic pattern according to the buyer's wish.

The stamped mark of 2 "vases" was seen on Circassian blades as well.

Yours is a good and honest kindjal, but beyond that it might be harder to pinpoint its origin. Perhaps, a more vague attribution , like "in Circassian tradition" might be preferable.

BTW, for some reasons red scabbard leather is considered particularly desirable among the contemporary Russian collectors.

7th July 2022, 02:45 PM	#2
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	According to Kirill Rivkin, decorative pattern of "horns" were widespread on Circassian weapons. One should be careful, however: these motives, just as Circassian influence in general, were not limited to Circassia proper, but rather to the wider "Circassian sphere" that included Chechnya, Meghrelia and other localities. Moreover, the late 19th century development of semi-industrial workshops created decentralization of decorative tradition where a Vladikavkaz ( say) workshop manufactured any formerly specific ethnic pattern according to the buyer's wish. The stamped mark of 2 "vases" was seen on Circassian blades as well. Yours is a good and honest kindjal, but beyond that it might be harder to pinpoint its origin. Perhaps, a more vague attribution , like "in Circassian tradition" might be preferable. BTW, for some reasons red scabbard leather is considered particularly desirable among the contemporary Russian collectors.