Ethnographic Arms & Armour
 

Go Back   Ethnographic Arms & Armour > Discussion Forums > Ethnographic Weapons

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 29th June 2025, 12:35 PM   #1
werecow
Member
 
werecow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Leiden, NL
Posts: 577
Default

What is the thickness of the sword in the OP Marc?

My example below does not have the reinforcements near the grip and it goes from a 3mm spine near the grip to 2mm near the tip, which seems too thin for a sword meant for use. I assume it is a ceremonial example (according to the seller it was originally a gift to a German diplomat).
Attached Images
  
werecow is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29th June 2025, 05:26 PM   #2
Tim Simmons
Member
 
Tim Simmons's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: What is still UK
Posts: 5,865
Default

Very nice had one many years ago.
Tim Simmons is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29th June 2025, 08:39 PM   #3
Jim McDougall
Arms Historian
 
Jim McDougall's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Route 66
Posts: 10,337
Default

Well noted Marc, it does seem this form has one of the most distinctly associated purposes, while there do seem to be a degree of variations.
It seems like it would not be necessary to create such elaborate designs for a simply functional execution sword, however the symbolism is essential to create the psychological dynamics of its use.

The dramatic effect of the sword seems to be enhanced by key symbols and designs representing the power and authority of the chiefs and ruling entities of the people. It is truly amazing as you say, to see the creativity of the human psyche in the developing of such symbolism and dogma in cultures.

It is the western perceptions of these African cultures that have created all the lore and so called mysteries that have prevailed, much as noted by Christopher Spring. The often wildly elaborate designs and contours of the so called 'throwing knives' (some actually were used in that manner) are key example.

I have thought that perhaps some of these designs were deliberately elaborate to instill fear through omenous appearance, which was important in the manner of tribal confrontations. As mentioned sorcery and magic were powerfully held beliefs in these cultures, and the shapes suggested that blades were imbued with these powers. Possibly the interesting designs on the blades symbolically showed the presence of these entities.

These aspects of many ethnographic weapon forms are patently avoided in scholarly studies in most cases because metaphysical beliefs and such occult presences in decoration and design are outside empirical study methods.
Still we can develop reasonable theories through in depth study of the individual cultures which might help us understand these things.
Jim McDougall is offline   Reply With Quote
Old Yesterday, 02:29 PM   #4
Marc M.
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Belgium
Posts: 288
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by werecow View Post
What is the thickness of the sword in the OP Marc?

My example below does not have the reinforcements near the grip and it goes from a 3mm spine near the grip to 2mm near the tip, which seems too thin for a sword meant for use. I assume it is a ceremonial example (according to the seller it was originally a gift to a German diplomat).
Thickness of on ngulu is against the handle 3.6 mm, not that much thicker than your specimen. In the attached photo , the last and my first ngulu. The difference is very obvious how solid the blade of the left ngulu is versus the right one. Both your ngulu and my first specimen are indeed ceremonial.
I estimate both to be around the mid-20th century.
Regards
Marc
Attached Images
  
Marc M. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old Yesterday, 02:35 PM   #5
Marc M.
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Belgium
Posts: 288
Default

Photograph of a staged execution.
Attached Images
  
Marc M. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old Yesterday, 04:54 PM   #6
Pertinax
Member
 
Pertinax's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2023
Location: City by the Black Sea
Posts: 255
Default

Thanks to Marc for the info.
These knives were a more stable "currency" than cowrie shells.
Pertinax is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 04:13 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Posts are regarded as being copyrighted by their authors and the act of posting material is deemed to be a granting of an irrevocable nonexclusive license for display here.