WOODEN POWDER FLASK for COMMENT and ID

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.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 10th September 2016, 05:09 PM

The problem with Thuya is...It is the national tree of Malta however, it grows in the foothills of the Atlass Mountains thus I agree on the potential of this being a Moroccan item...I couldn't find a picture of this flask on the waist but I am sure one will materialize...Thanks Oliver great reply... Ibrahiim

Kubur · 10th September 2016, 06:35 PM

They used also argan tree. It was suspended as Oliver described. This shape was mainly used on the saddle and of course its Moroccan.
And this one is old...
Best,
Kubur

rickystl · 11th September 2016, 03:15 PM

Excellent both Oliver and Kubur. The obvious design for a leather strap combined with "saddle" attachment makes even more sense. Maybe a few smaller leather straps, twisted together in somewhat of a figure-8 form (?). But makes sense.

Rick

10th September 2016, 04:14 PM	#1
Oliver Pinchot Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 465	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.

10th September 2016, 05:09 PM	#2
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	The problem with Thuya is...It is the national tree of Malta however, it grows in the foothills of the Atlass Mountains thus I agree on the potential of this being a Moroccan item...I couldn't find a picture of this flask on the waist but I am sure one will materialize...Thanks Oliver great reply... Ibrahiim

10th September 2016, 06:35 PM	#3
Kubur Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2,145	They used also argan tree. It was suspended as Oliver described. This shape was mainly used on the saddle and of course its Moroccan. And this one is old... Best, Kubur

11th September 2016, 03:15 PM	#4
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,632	Excellent both Oliver and Kubur. The obvious design for a leather strap combined with "saddle" attachment makes even more sense. Maybe a few smaller leather straps, twisted together in somewhat of a figure-8 form (?). But makes sense. Rick