Ethnographical weapons re-interpretated

ariel · 21st March 2005, 07:34 PM

I greatly admire modern artisans who are trying to reproduce and reinvent ancient weapons. Their dedication to the field, tenacity in execution and respect for tradition are inspiring. The final fruit of their labor is often functionally superior to the original: after all, the old masters had no access to modern steels, instruments, materials and technology. If I were to go to a sword battle, I'd probably choose a good modern replica rather than the original.
Having said that, as a collector I would not buy a modern rendition of a shashka, a yataghan or a dha. For me, 99% of the value is in the history of the sword, not in it's technological attributes. No matter how well modern replicas are executed, how dedicated their creator was and how close they are to the original, they totally lack an element of The Past.

Antonio Cejunior · 23rd March 2005, 04:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ariel

For me, 99% of the value is in the history of the sword, not in it's technological attributes. No matter how well modern replicas are executed, how dedicated their creator was and how close they are to the original, they totally lack an element of The Past.

Hi Ariel,

Thank you for your post.

I fully respect your views.
IMHO, I think that an antique is not equal to quality, and the Past itself is not a qualification.
I am far from challenging. Just stating my own opinion.
Like in everything there is good and bad, and when I mean contemporary interpretation I speak about it as a designer.

I made a statement in my website http://www.arscives.com/bladesign/statement.htm which may help to assist me in bringing out my points of view. I don't expect to obtain any agreement, but I like to discuss things in a civilized way and I must say that this Forum is superb for this

Best regards,
Antonio

21st March 2005, 07:34 PM	#1
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	I greatly admire modern artisans who are trying to reproduce and reinvent ancient weapons. Their dedication to the field, tenacity in execution and respect for tradition are inspiring. The final fruit of their labor is often functionally superior to the original: after all, the old masters had no access to modern steels, instruments, materials and technology. If I were to go to a sword battle, I'd probably choose a good modern replica rather than the original. Having said that, as a collector I would not buy a modern rendition of a shashka, a yataghan or a dha. For me, 99% of the value is in the history of the sword, not in it's technological attributes. No matter how well modern replicas are executed, how dedicated their creator was and how close they are to the original, they totally lack an element of The Past.