Ancha/Nimcha

[TVV]

Originally Posted by ariel

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=130234811026
How do you like that?

I think Jim has done some research on these swords and his conclusion was that they are from Brasil. I am sure he will jump right in with tons of info, and he will surely include comments on the nimcha/Moroccan saif connection in the hilt.

[Valjhun]

Nice one for a fair price. Connection nimcha/ancha

[Jim McDougall]

Thank you so much Teodor for the recognition!! I have indeed been fascinated by Spanish colonial weapons for a very long time, and in all honesty, when I first acquired one of these, thought it to be Moroccan.
This was mostly due to the same assumption we see with espada/nimcha as noted here, and the nocked grip as on the Moroccan sa'if ('nimcha').

In studying espada anchas, I could see the influence diffused throughout the Spanish trade sphere, mostly as far as the Philippines, but never saw the South American examples. I first confirmed the identification on this particular form in an item appearing in Imperial Auctions last year, and the blade was marked with motif and inscriptions to Brazil. Review on Spanish trade between the Americas in the 19th century reconfirmed the potential diffusion of these, as well as establishing profound connections with Spanish colonies in Morocco.

This is a beautiful example, and the bird head as well as some of the geometric devices offer some interesting potential for research. The price the buyer got this for is in my opinion an amazing bargain, these are extremely desirable for Spanish colonial collectors!

[chevalier]

is there an evil eye on the handle?

[Valjhun]

Just the eye of a horse, I guess. Nimcha hilts are stylized horse heads, if I'm not wrong.

[Jim McDougall]

Chevalier and Valhun, its great to see observations on motif and I'm with you guys, in always trying to seek potential symbolism imbued in weapons.
Although it is tempting to think so, the eye shaped device on the hilt seems to have held some item such as mother of pearl or bone insert that probably aligned with the motif. The evil eye concept prevailed on North African and many Arabian weapons, but not on Spanish colonial.

The inside langet for carrying these often in a sash rather than scabbard seem characteristic on these shellguard examples of espada ancha (which is actually rather a misnomer as technically it describes a wide bladed heavy sword commonly used by Soldados de Cuero on Mexican frontier). It is interesting to note the semi circles applied overall in the hilt motif which recall the 'sickle marks' often widely seen on trade blades.

Valjhun, the distinct nocked grip on Moroccan sa'if (nimcha) hilts has long been considered in some degree zoomorphic, much like the hilt of the flyssa, and the trilobate hilt of the karabela....but I dont think there has ever been an accord on what creatures these overstylized hilts represent.
I had never thought of a horsehead, and would very much like to know of references that specify that identity, it would be fantastic to have that resolved!

Amother really unusual thing on the hilt of this example is the very clearly represented bird on the shell, and I'd like to discover more on this. Bird heads of this form in degree are seen on hilts in specific areas in Mexico, and may have to do with the eagle and snake on folklore and legend there, though the head is admittedly not very eagle like. Regardless this might establish an interesting association between Mexico and S.America.

[chevalier]

here is another spanish colonial sword



http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=180258679308

[katana]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

..........Although it is tempting to think so, the eye shaped device on the hilt seems to have held some item such as mother of pearl or bone insert that probably aligned with the motif. The evil eye concept prevailed on North African and many Arabian weapons, but not on Spanish colonial.

Amother really unusual thing on the hilt of this example is the very clearly represented bird on the shell, and I'd like to discover more on this. Bird heads of this form in degree are seen on hilts in specific areas in Mexico, and may have to do with the eagle and snake on folklore and legend there, though the head is admittedly not very eagle like. Regardless this might establish an interesting association between Mexico and S.America.

Hi Jim ,
perhaps the stylised bird is a Peacock, symbolic to many cultures, including the Moors and the Spanish. The possible 'evil eye' on the hilt may further support this....as the feather markings of the peacock are also associated with 'eyes' (Ancient Greeks) and for some cultures, the 'evil eye'. The peacock's display of feathers certainly lends itself to the shape of the shell guard.

Regards David

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