PSYCHOLOGICAL WEAPONS

A. G. Maisey · 3rd January 2008, 06:07 AM

Yeah Jim, they were instruments of war, and banned, but that was the 1700's.

Of course, I am more than willing to accept that they were also weapons of war---the noise they make is enough to send anybody running.

And while we're on the subject of running, you see an angry 6'5'', 300 pound Maori, you really don't need any haka to get you running in the opposite direction---at least I don't.Here in Australia Maoris and other Pacific Islanders, and men of Pacific Island descent make a very significant contribution to our national religion.Football--ie, rugby or one persuasion or another.

Jim McDougall · 3rd January 2008, 06:22 AM

Actually you're right Alan, they were banned in the 18th century, but began to be allowed once again when the British began forming regiments of Highlanders. The clans never went into battle without the pipes, and the pipers have stirred thier warriors into battle into modern times. There were over a thousand pipers killed in WWI, and even today, when a fallen warrior is put to rest, the pipes are there to send him home.

I will agree with you though on the Maoris and other South Seas groups. I recall younger years in California where certain conflicts arose, with most odds being reasonably level...except when Samoans showed up! Then it was time to quick exit!

All best regards,
Jim

3rd January 2008, 06:07 AM	#1
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,085	Yeah Jim, they were instruments of war, and banned, but that was the 1700's. Of course, I am more than willing to accept that they were also weapons of war---the noise they make is enough to send anybody running. And while we're on the subject of running, you see an angry 6'5'', 300 pound Maori, you really don't need any haka to get you running in the opposite direction---at least I don't.Here in Australia Maoris and other Pacific Islanders, and men of Pacific Island descent make a very significant contribution to our national religion.Football--ie, rugby or one persuasion or another.

3rd January 2008, 06:22 AM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,670	Actually you're right Alan, they were banned in the 18th century, but began to be allowed once again when the British began forming regiments of Highlanders. The clans never went into battle without the pipes, and the pipers have stirred thier warriors into battle into modern times. There were over a thousand pipers killed in WWI, and even today, when a fallen warrior is put to rest, the pipes are there to send him home. I will agree with you though on the Maoris and other South Seas groups. I recall younger years in California where certain conflicts arose, with most odds being reasonably level...except when Samoans showed up! Then it was time to quick exit! All best regards, Jim