Mystery Jewish Sword From Atlas Mountains???

VVV · 11th December 2004, 12:00 PM

I found this sword in Marrakesh, together with a very nice Nimcha, a couple of years ago. According to the dealer, who also had a lot of Sefardic religious items to sell, this is a Jewish sword from the Atlas mountains.
I have looked in several reference books but haven't been able to find anything even close to it?
Does any of you recognize what it is?
The balance of the sword is very good, suitable for slashes as well as follow up circular thrusts, and perfect for the Kali bridging movements I like to use. It's of identical lenght and weight as the Talibons and Ginuntings I usually practise with.

Mike

PS Sorry about the picture quality but only have a mobile phone camera at the moment.

RSWORD · 11th December 2004, 02:22 PM

Thank you for posting pictures of this most unusual sword. First, I do not think it is a Jewish sword from the Atlas mountains. The handle seems typical of Indian sword handles. You see both antique and contemporary examples with the "parrot" handle. The scabbard, especially the belt loops, appear very Moroccan to me. That, plus the overal decoration on the scabbard, reminds me of similar decoration found on Moroccan Jambiya. If the handle decoration matches in patina and decoration to the scabbard, perhaps this is a Moroccan sword with an Indian inspired handle. Being that it came with a Nimcha could be suggestive they both originated from the same place. A neat and unusual piece.

VVV · 11th December 2004, 03:17 PM

Thanks for your reply.
Yes the handle matches the scabbard in patina.
Do you have any idea what this kind of sword is called?
On the nimcha, they only happened to be in the same store but there is no resemblance at all in style, patterns etc.

Mike

Tim Simmons · 11th December 2004, 04:54 PM

Hello VVV, according to my copy of(African Arms and Armour by C.Spring)this bird head pommel sabre like weapon is a Mediterranean form of Kopis used in the region for the last two and a half millennia.Tim

Yannis · 11th December 2004, 08:07 PM

Kopis has quite different hilt.

If we say that bird hilt comes from kopis we make a big step in evolution. It is like to say that human comes from the amphibians.

Tim Simmons · 11th December 2004, 08:36 PM

Hi Yannis, some people think we do.I am only the messenger.If you Know better then please show us all.Tim

11th December 2004, 12:00 PM	#1
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Mystery Jewish Sword From Atlas Mountains??? I found this sword in Marrakesh, together with a very nice Nimcha, a couple of years ago. According to the dealer, who also had a lot of Sefardic religious items to sell, this is a Jewish sword from the Atlas mountains. I have looked in several reference books but haven't been able to find anything even close to it? Does any of you recognize what it is? The balance of the sword is very good, suitable for slashes as well as follow up circular thrusts, and perfect for the Kali bridging movements I like to use. It's of identical lenght and weight as the Talibons and Ginuntings I usually practise with. Mike PS Sorry about the picture quality but only have a mobile phone camera at the moment. Attached Images

11th December 2004, 02:22 PM	#2
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,083	Thank you for posting pictures of this most unusual sword. First, I do not think it is a Jewish sword from the Atlas mountains. The handle seems typical of Indian sword handles. You see both antique and contemporary examples with the "parrot" handle. The scabbard, especially the belt loops, appear very Moroccan to me. That, plus the overal decoration on the scabbard, reminds me of similar decoration found on Moroccan Jambiya. If the handle decoration matches in patina and decoration to the scabbard, perhaps this is a Moroccan sword with an Indian inspired handle. Being that it came with a Nimcha could be suggestive they both originated from the same place. A neat and unusual piece.

11th December 2004, 03:17 PM	#3
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Thanks for your reply. Yes the handle matches the scabbard in patina. Do you have any idea what this kind of sword is called? On the nimcha, they only happened to be in the same store but there is no resemblance at all in style, patterns etc. Mike

11th December 2004, 04:54 PM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,739	Hello VVV, according to my copy of(African Arms and Armour by C.Spring)this bird head pommel sabre like weapon is a Mediterranean form of Kopis used in the region for the last two and a half millennia.Tim

11th December 2004, 08:07 PM	#5
Yannis Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Athens Greece Posts: 479	Kopis has quite different hilt. If we say that bird hilt comes from kopis we make a big step in evolution. It is like to say that human comes from the amphibians.

11th December 2004, 08:36 PM	#6
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,739	Hi Yannis, some people think we do.I am only the messenger.If you Know better then please show us all.Tim