African Galleries in the BM

Aqtai · 13th May 2007, 08:24 PM

Hi Brian,

I noticed that your 2nd post has a picture of a mail shirt. Where was it from please? And is it African or imported?

Thanks,

Hisham

Tim Simmons · 13th May 2007, 09:04 PM

I have a feeling that particular mail shirt is from West Africa. From one of the Sultanates that make up the Sahel.

B.I · 14th May 2007, 08:30 AM

I think what Hisham is hinting at, is whether the shirt is African or adapted in Africa from an earlier source. There are a few examples of Ottoman helmets and shirts that have been adapted and re-used in North Africa in the 19thC, and some of these date back to the 15th/16thC.
Unfortunately, I was very late, and just had enough time to take the images, and not closely examine the links to see it they were of an Ottoman style. Possibly they are. I do remember they were riveted.
Next time I pass there (fairly often) I'll pop in and have a closer look.

Tim Simmons · 14th May 2007, 04:49 PM

My point is that it is just as likely made in the region, as they were made in the Mahdist Sudan, Africa.

13th May 2007, 08:24 PM	#1
Aqtai Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Merseyside, UK Posts: 222	Hi Brian, I noticed that your 2nd post has a picture of a mail shirt. Where was it from please? And is it African or imported? Thanks, Hisham

13th May 2007, 09:04 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,843	I have a feeling that particular mail shirt is from West Africa. From one of the Sultanates that make up the Sahel.

14th May 2007, 08:30 AM	#3
B.I Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 485	I think what Hisham is hinting at, is whether the shirt is African or adapted in Africa from an earlier source. There are a few examples of Ottoman helmets and shirts that have been adapted and re-used in North Africa in the 19thC, and some of these date back to the 15th/16thC. Unfortunately, I was very late, and just had enough time to take the images, and not closely examine the links to see it they were of an Ottoman style. Possibly they are. I do remember they were riveted. Next time I pass there (fairly often) I'll pop in and have a closer look.

14th May 2007, 04:49 PM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,843	My point is that it is just as likely made in the region, as they were made in the Mahdist Sudan, Africa.