WOODEN POWDER FLASK for COMMENT and ID

kahnjar1 · 9th September 2016, 05:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickystl

I'm the guilty one that suggested to Stu that it might be Algerain (?). LOL

Hi Stu.

Well, I do believe it is either Moroccan or Algerian. Nice pics of the flask here. It actually displays really well. It looks like it was made in three pieces. Agreed ?

Rick

Nothing to be guilty about Rick. Comment is comment and that's what I am after. I agree 3 parts by the look of it. Nicely fitted as well.
Have to say I am rather surprised at the lack of replies, as judging by other threads there are plenty of flask collectors here!
Stu

Oliver Pinchot · 9th September 2016, 06:37 AM

It's Moroccan, latter 19th century.

kahnjar1 · 9th September 2016, 07:20 AM

Thanks Gentlemen. Moroccan it is.
Can someone tell me how it would have been suspended to facilitate easy use? The slot suggests a belt, but if on a belt it would be almost impossible to use to charge either a pan or a muzzle.
Stu

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 9th September 2016, 01:27 PM

More below...Some conjecture suggests that these are Ottoman or Moroccan but they could easily be both ...spoils of war perhaps... I can imagine the flask being plain in the hands of the original Ottoman owner but later hand carved by the new Moroccan owners in the typical decorative style of wood carving of North African form.

The plain flask below said to be Ottoman whilst the carved Flask described as Moroccan.

kahnjar1 · 9th September 2016, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

More below...Some conjecture suggests that these are Ottoman or Moroccan but they could easily be both ...spoils of war perhaps... I can imagine the flask being plain in the hands of the original Ottoman owner but later hand carved by the new Moroccan owners in the typical decorative style of wood carving of North African form.

The plain flask below said to be Ottoman whilst the carved Flask described as Moroccan.

Salaams Ibrahiim,
Do you know how these flasks were carried? The "slot" suggests a belt but I would have thought that would restrict ease of use.......
Your small pic shows a cord, (maybe not original?) but if that is the correct way of suspending the flask then why is there not just a hole or a ring to take the cord?
Stu

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 10th September 2016, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

Salaams Ibrahiim,
Do you know how these flasks were carried? The "slot" suggests a belt but I would have thought that would restrict ease of use.......
Your small pic shows a cord, (maybe not original?) but if that is the correct way of suspending the flask then why is there not just a hole or a ring to take the cord?
Stu

Its a puzzle... I don't know. Oliver Help !!!

Oliver Pinchot · 10th September 2016, 04:14 PM

Stu is close; the slot is intended for a strap, rather than a belt.
Part of the research I did as a graduate student involved field-testing the processes involved in suspending various weapons and accoutrements. Flasks and horns, from virtually every culture, are much more comfortable to carry for an extended period (on foot or on horseback,) on a leather or flat woven strap or tape. Woven cords with a round cross-section, such as those on which kummiyahs are usually slung, become uncomfortable after a surprisingly short period. The mountaineer peoples of the Caucasus seem to have evolved the best suspension systems for any weapon; these involved a series of narrow leather straps, usually adjustable by means of buckles.

This flask is designed ergonomically. It conforms well to the body (i.e. it doesn't catch on things when slung) and can be used with a minimum of effort, thanks to the angled spout. The form is characteristically Moroccan; Ward's observation that this type of wood is common to Essaouira supports this.

9th September 2016, 01:27 PM	#4
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	More below...Some conjecture suggests that these are Ottoman or Moroccan but they could easily be both ...spoils of war perhaps... I can imagine the flask being plain in the hands of the original Ottoman owner but later hand carved by the new Moroccan owners in the typical decorative style of wood carving of North African form. The plain flask below said to be Ottoman whilst the carved Flask described as Moroccan. Attached Images

9th September 2016, 06:37 AM	#2
Oliver Pinchot Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 464	It's Moroccan, latter 19th century.

9th September 2016, 07:20 AM	#3
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,786	Thanks Gentlemen. Moroccan it is. Can someone tell me how it would have been suspended to facilitate easy use? The slot suggests a belt, but if on a belt it would be almost impossible to use to charge either a pan or a muzzle. Stu

10th September 2016, 04:14 PM	#7
Oliver Pinchot Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 464	Stu is close; the slot is intended for a strap, rather than a belt. Part of the research I did as a graduate student involved field-testing the processes involved in suspending various weapons and accoutrements. Flasks and horns, from virtually every culture, are much more comfortable to carry for an extended period (on foot or on horseback,) on a leather or flat woven strap or tape. Woven cords with a round cross-section, such as those on which kummiyahs are usually slung, become uncomfortable after a surprisingly short period. The mountaineer peoples of the Caucasus seem to have evolved the best suspension systems for any weapon; these involved a series of narrow leather straps, usually adjustable by means of buckles. This flask is designed ergonomically. It conforms well to the body (i.e. it doesn't catch on things when slung) and can be used with a minimum of effort, thanks to the angled spout. The form is characteristically Moroccan; Ward's observation that this type of wood is common to Essaouira supports this.