Mendi fighting axe

Tim Simmons · 20th October 2012, 06:11 PM

The blade fits all description and illustations in the paper. As the auther suggests the quarry has been unworked for 20-25 years that puts the blade to the early1940s at least.

Quarry no8 in the Kubor mountains. Fig. 2 C.

The fine ceremonial blades are said to take up to 3 weeks grinding. I have tried to add the pages in sequence but they are all jumbled up. Hope it is not too hard to follow?

Tim Simmons · 1st November 2012, 06:17 PM

Interesting article about fighting. From July 1939 edition "Asia" American Magazine of the Orient. The "Kaman" though I cannot find any information on "Kaman" are from the headwaters of the Purari River which is south of the Asaro River illustrated in the previous posting.
I had to pay for it but you can have it for free. Some people love every penny in an unpleasant way. Should upload in order as all pages are reduced to the same size.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 28th November 2012, 02:44 PM

Salaams Tim Simmons ~ This is amazing ... I simply had to give this one a bump !! Incredible !!

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Tim Simmons · 28th November 2012, 04:23 PM

Thank you Ibrahiim very kind of you. I am sorry the first section of text is all jumbled up but is seems you have not had a problem following it. I too think it quite fascinating. I could not believe how in a period of a few weeks all the information just came together. I did have to probe and the first section came from a specialist book and paper seller.

T. Koch · 28th November 2012, 06:29 PM

Hi Tim and thank you for this excellent article - what a great read! I must have missed it the first time around. It is really a fascinating article and also to think how relatively late this lifestyle took place. I love how detailed the fighting tactics of the Kaman are described. I've been on the hunt for a similar description of tactics among the Dayak tribes of Borneo, but no luck so far.

Do you have any idea how the initial group of spearmen are chosen from each side? Do they pick their best warriors to begin with, and then substitute with lesser skilled men when some of the first are wounded? Does the chief himself ever fight?

Your axe looks great too! I really admire the high level of finish they seem to have. I'm wondering why they haven't equipped them with a more comfortable handle and a bulbous pommel to aid in retaining during fighting. Maybe the handles are designed for easy retrieval from the belt?

Thanks for sharing all of it - it was just super!

All the best, - Thor

20th October 2012, 06:11 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,843	The blade fits all description and illustations in the paper. As the auther suggests the quarry has been unworked for 20-25 years that puts the blade to the early1940s at least. Quarry no8 in the Kubor mountains. Fig. 2 C. The fine ceremonial blades are said to take up to 3 weeks grinding. I have tried to add the pages in sequence but they are all jumbled up. Hope it is not too hard to follow? Attached Images Last edited by Tim Simmons; 20th October 2012 at 08:04 PM. Reason: spelling

1st November 2012, 06:17 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,843	Interesting article about fighting. From July 1939 edition "Asia" American Magazine of the Orient. The "Kaman" though I cannot find any information on "Kaman" are from the headwaters of the Purari River which is south of the Asaro River illustrated in the previous posting. I had to pay for it but you can have it for free. Some people love every penny in an unpleasant way. Should upload in order as all pages are reduced to the same size. Attached Images

28th November 2012, 02:44 PM	#3
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	Salaams Tim Simmons ~ This is amazing ... I simply had to give this one a bump !! Incredible !! Regards, Ibrahiim al Balooshi. Last edited by Ibrahiim al Balooshi; 28th November 2012 at 02:57 PM.

28th November 2012, 04:23 PM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,843	Thank you Ibrahiim very kind of you. I am sorry the first section of text is all jumbled up but is seems you have not had a problem following it. I too think it quite fascinating. I could not believe how in a period of a few weeks all the information just came together. I did have to probe and the first section came from a specialist book and paper seller.

28th November 2012, 06:29 PM	#5
T. Koch Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Mother North Posts: 189	Hi Tim and thank you for this excellent article - what a great read! I must have missed it the first time around. It is really a fascinating article and also to think how relatively late this lifestyle took place. I love how detailed the fighting tactics of the Kaman are described. I've been on the hunt for a similar description of tactics among the Dayak tribes of Borneo, but no luck so far. Do you have any idea how the initial group of spearmen are chosen from each side? Do they pick their best warriors to begin with, and then substitute with lesser skilled men when some of the first are wounded? Does the chief himself ever fight? Your axe looks great too! I really admire the high level of finish they seem to have. I'm wondering why they haven't equipped them with a more comfortable handle and a bulbous pommel to aid in retaining during fighting. Maybe the handles are designed for easy retrieval from the belt? Thanks for sharing all of it - it was just super! All the best, - Thor