Yataghan: provenance?

Emanuel · 18th March 2006, 09:23 PM

Hello,

In the article "Sabre Kabyles," Camille Lacoste-Dujardin talks about Ottoman yataghan blades being imported in Algeria and completely refitted by local craftsmen. There are even occasions of locally-forged yataghans by smiths who may have learned their craft in Turkey or other places within the empire.
Lacoste specified that the handles were far simpler than the classical Ottoman, merely hinting at the twin-earned originals. Perhaps this is such an example.
The scabbard has the same treatment as flyssa, so it's interesting to see how foreign models were completely adapted to local traditions/preferences.

Valjhun · 18th March 2006, 11:06 PM

I noticed it and I wanted to hear a comment about it on this forum, but I guess that all glory goes to Ariel now

. I vote for Maghrib also. The fact that the seller is from France can only justify that thesis, I suppose. Interesting piece, is the first time I see one like that.

ariel · 19th March 2006, 03:57 AM

Glad all of you agree. Perhaps, we have learned something useful in general terms from this example. Artzi got it, but I expect him being in Timonium next couple of days ( I am so very sorry I couldn't go, but I am on a special work assignment this month and could not leave town). I guess it would be extremely interesting to hear what he has to say about this piece.

18th March 2006, 11:06 PM	#2
Valjhun Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 692	I noticed it and I wanted to hear a comment about it on this forum, but I guess that all glory goes to Ariel now . I vote for Maghrib also. The fact that the seller is from France can only justify that thesis, I suppose. Interesting piece, is the first time I see one like that. Last edited by Valjhun; 18th March 2006 at 11:20 PM.

18th March 2006, 09:23 PM	#1
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	Hello, In the article "Sabre Kabyles," Camille Lacoste-Dujardin talks about Ottoman yataghan blades being imported in Algeria and completely refitted by local craftsmen. There are even occasions of locally-forged yataghans by smiths who may have learned their craft in Turkey or other places within the empire. Lacoste specified that the handles were far simpler than the classical Ottoman, merely hinting at the twin-earned originals. Perhaps this is such an example. The scabbard has the same treatment as flyssa, so it's interesting to see how foreign models were completely adapted to local traditions/preferences.

19th March 2006, 03:57 AM	#3
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Glad all of you agree. Perhaps, we have learned something useful in general terms from this example. Artzi got it, but I expect him being in Timonium next couple of days ( I am so very sorry I couldn't go, but I am on a special work assignment this month and could not leave town). I guess it would be extremely interesting to hear what he has to say about this piece.