What On Earth Pt. 2

[Jim McDougall]

Incredible forensics there David!!!! That is amazing detail, which you always present so well. I think this would be thinking inside the box! so it seems you are a master of that, outside the box, and circles around the box!!

I must admit I really admire you guys and these mathematical observations, while all I can rely on is my pretty much free association instincts. I agree that this hilt seems cast, and lead would be a quite likely candidate.

Although the geometric device that comprises the neck type section between blade and hilt may be stylistically similar to such symbols in many places, it would be hard to say that these influences did not enter the presumed African tribal sphere via many avenues of trade contact. These kinds of symbolic elements are well known in art and material culture in Saharan regions to the east (see "Africa Adorned", Angela Fisher, a great work on jewelry and its symbolism in Africa). The cross of varying types is well known, and rather than religiously observed, often refers to the four cardinal directions, north, south, east and west.

This symbolic device placed at the root of the blade, as David has noted, resembles geometric symbols seen in these regions, and as the bearing sword in ceremony would be held upright with blade up, suggesting the arising or power of the blade out of the symbol, in metaphoric sense.
It should be noted that many of the falchion type swords out of the Congo/Zaire regions use this effect on thier blades with an open, bisected disc shape between the blade and hilt.

At the point in the blade above the 'nagan curve' there are what appear to be serrations on both sides of the blade, as seen on the Dahomean ceremonial swords known as 'hwi' (see "African Arms & Armour" C. Spring, and the reference to Palau Marti).

I'm not sure if this would be a trade blade, though the suggestion is well placed. The African swordsmiths seem to have long been underestimated in thier skills, as evidenced by the many elaborate shapes and styles of the blades produced there. The copper wire is also a feature often seen on the swords of Condo/Zaire regions and others in various tribal regions.

All best regards,
Jim

[Gavin Nugent]

Hmmm, I still say Chinese, the serpentine blade, the coin motif, the structure, the size, the cross guard has the same patern found on rectangular Tibatan sword guards....the hide and copper wire have no patina so maybe it was someones interperatation of something from Africa? Although I am sure there are super quality and well finished African swords etc out there, weren't most trade blades and native crafted pieces? This seems to be lacking either of these African facets.

David you calculations put it in better perspective to me as being a ceremonial spear head from China.

That's 4 cents now!!

Gav

[Jim McDougall]

Ooops!!!
Up until now I hadnt noticed the Asian influence here, but until Gav noted this, that circle symbol is a Chinese coin motif!!!! I believe it is present on some Chinese swords as a symbolic motif in 17th-18th century Chinese swords, and the architectural structure of the square element at the neck seems Asian as noted as well.
The conundrum thickens, and I'd like to find that symbol in the Chinese sphere or examples of the type of coin it appears on, as well as its meaning.
Again, it always is amazing how these worlds apart were connected via trade.

All best regards,
Jim

[Tim Simmons]

Yeah I see it could be Chinese. The square guard and the circle element to the blade, the use of copper wire not unusual either. I have been searching for pictures to relate to an African origin but have not found what I am looking for. Except for a Ghanian parade sword the same size with a kinked blade but really quite different in overall design.

My wife insisted on getting a new puppy dog. It has eaten two of my books, each would now cost over £100 to replace which I cannot see my ability to do so. She does not seem to understood how cross I am. :

[fearn]

Hi Tim,

Well, you now have a puppy worth over £100, and/or a wife who now knows what to get you at the next holiday. It does suck. My parents lost an *old* Navajo blanket the same way, before they clued in and put the treasures out of reach of little teethers.

If you're desperate, maybe we can take up a collection to replace your treasures.

Hi Jim,

I've seen that circle cross symbol cut into the sides of Chinese daos, and I'm waiting for Gav to come up with a reference. I think they're an allusion to the "Coin swords" used as feng shui talismans (swords made out of old coins and red cord, to drive away whatever-it-is).

Best,

F

[katana]

Hi Tim,
there is a spray that deters 'little knowledge eaters' ....I believe it is safe on paper etc. .....might be worth a try.

Hi Fearn,
all the Chinese coins I can find pictures of have a singular hole...usually square. Also pictured below is a coin sword 18thC-19thC British museum.....again notice the singular hole

"....Coin-swords were a form of talisman used in southern China to ward off evil influences, especially those causing fever. They were made by tying together 'cash' (the pidgin term for Chinese coins with a square hole in the middle) on to an iron rod......"



Regards David

[Gavin Nugent]

I will dig through my image files to find some other examples, I know I have at least one spear image on file but have seen dozens of others with this coin motif.
You will not find any coins actually looking like this but the symbol as far as my understanding goes is that it is a "lucky" coin motif that is a symbol of luck, wealth and prosperity. I have a sword with this motif in the balde, another on hold and also a stunning pair of Huediadao with these symbols in the blades too, both can be seen in my personal gallery displays. I'll post these images too shortly.
One interesting point I must note though is that most spear heads I have encountered had a socket over the shaft but like most good pole arms with weighty blades they did also have varients with tangs supported by a secondry outer sleeve and rivits through the shaft as seen in the large yanyuedao I showed some time back. This to me with the square cup guard is one such example that had a tang and was riveted to the shaft.

I'll update with images when I return home this evening.

Gav

PS, I see a clear inserted edge in the third image, not something I would ever expect to see out of Africa, well at least with as much precision.