Could we have an O/T section for associated ethnographia?

Jim McDougall · 10th April 2009, 10:30 PM

Hi Gene,
Definitely an excellent note, and something that has often come up as certain items posted strained the perameters of our scope of discussions.
I think Mark's suggestion is very well placed, and personally I like items shown in groupings as they add great perspective.

In my opinion, elements of ethnographic arms and armour in addition to just the edged weapons are certainly pertinant to our discussions in degree. As far as other items of material culture, I think they apply often in the sense of displaying influences in motif or decoration, and many items are sometimes the source of these. In this regard, actually there are so many instances its hard to think of where to begin.

Sometimes those bowls have linear motif or decorative designs that can be found on that of weapons, and cultural provenance and period can be associated...not always..but sometimes. You have to look for clues everywhere. Recently it was shown that coins can often be excellent sources for clues to marks and stamps on weapons, as these were often employed collectively in the official capacities in local regimes.
I once identified a stamp in the blade of an Afghan weapon as the Mosque at Mazir i Sharif using compared stamps in period coinage.

Best regards,
Jim

10th April 2009, 10:30 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,200	Hi Gene, Definitely an excellent note, and something that has often come up as certain items posted strained the perameters of our scope of discussions. I think Mark's suggestion is very well placed, and personally I like items shown in groupings as they add great perspective. In my opinion, elements of ethnographic arms and armour in addition to just the edged weapons are certainly pertinant to our discussions in degree. As far as other items of material culture, I think they apply often in the sense of displaying influences in motif or decoration, and many items are sometimes the source of these. In this regard, actually there are so many instances its hard to think of where to begin. Sometimes those bowls have linear motif or decorative designs that can be found on that of weapons, and cultural provenance and period can be associated...not always..but sometimes. You have to look for clues everywhere. Recently it was shown that coins can often be excellent sources for clues to marks and stamps on weapons, as these were often employed collectively in the official capacities in local regimes. I once identified a stamp in the blade of an Afghan weapon as the Mosque at Mazir i Sharif using compared stamps in period coinage. Best regards, Jim