Talismanic Devices and Imbuements on Islamic Arms

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Norman McCormick

Hi,
Here's another configuration of the three dots. They are on a sword that I can only describe as an Indian style cutlass.
Regards,
Norman.

Most tactfully and well described Norman lest we stir another 'name game' debate!! It seems that the term may be well placed, given that the Marathas were known for their notable naval power.


Ibrahiim thank you for these further examples into use on guns in various contexts. It seems I recall in our findings that in many cases there were numbers of gold metal filled dots on the blades of early Islamic swords (varied in number) which were said to be talismans to bring luck.


With reference to the three dot configuration in European context, the heavy bladed swords with rebated blade tips typically used as 'bearing swords' (though often termed more nefariously) often had three holes at the tip of the blade. These have been explained as to be there to create a whistling in the stroke; to attach weights and not sure of what other fanciful purposes..however the representation of the Holy Trinity is most reasonable.


Curiously, heavy bladed swords in Africa claimed to be used in similar purpose in cases have had the same three holes in the same blade location.


Jens shows a great example of Mughal tulwar with the familiar sickle and three dots configuration, clearly copying the European mark well known on blades elsewhere in India in many instances.