Interesting North African, Berber? swords

Martin Lubojacky · 17th June 2011, 11:24 PM

Hello,

Since Iain cited me, I should, maybe, add: My knowledge is only based on the following experience: As far as south Mediterranean coast is concerned I raked antique shops and markets in Tunisia, Libya and Egypt some time ago, and I saw (old) swords with this hilts in Tunisia (Djerba) only. I think it does not mean they are comming from Djerba (main Tunisian antique vendors are, in fact, a few big families, but their members are located "everywhere" and they move the goods in accordance with need), I just saw them there (and I have never been to Algeria or Morocco, so this research is not complete). By the way, you can find this "insert carpit like central sections" on Bu Saadi daggers´sheaths relatively often, too.

Regards,
Martin

Iain · 18th June 2011, 12:50 PM

Hi Martin,

Thanks for jumping in. I think even your somewhat limited experience with this sword type is extremely valuable as previously there was almost no data on them. I think it is fairly safe to say they are found on the N. African coast and from that Berber seems the most applicable, if generic, label to use.

I would be surprised if they are encountered in Morocco given the fairly strong base of knowledge for weapons in that region and the fact that blades of this type are also encountered in nimcha mounts.

Cheers,

Iain

17th June 2011, 11:24 PM	#1
Martin Lubojacky Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 843	Hello, Since Iain cited me, I should, maybe, add: My knowledge is only based on the following experience: As far as south Mediterranean coast is concerned I raked antique shops and markets in Tunisia, Libya and Egypt some time ago, and I saw (old) swords with this hilts in Tunisia (Djerba) only. I think it does not mean they are comming from Djerba (main Tunisian antique vendors are, in fact, a few big families, but their members are located "everywhere" and they move the goods in accordance with need), I just saw them there (and I have never been to Algeria or Morocco, so this research is not complete). By the way, you can find this "insert carpit like central sections" on Bu Saadi daggers´sheaths relatively often, too. Regards, Martin

18th June 2011, 12:50 PM	#2
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,717	Hi Martin, Thanks for jumping in. I think even your somewhat limited experience with this sword type is extremely valuable as previously there was almost no data on them. I think it is fairly safe to say they are found on the N. African coast and from that Berber seems the most applicable, if generic, label to use. I would be surprised if they are encountered in Morocco given the fairly strong base of knowledge for weapons in that region and the fact that blades of this type are also encountered in nimcha mounts. Cheers, Iain