Introduction

Shamsy · 12th June 2016, 12:24 AM

Good morning all,

I was recommended to join this forum as I am just starting out my collection of African weaponry and shields.

A little about myself. I live in Australia where the laws pertaining to weapon collecting have not as yet been over politicised. As such, I am lucky enough to be able to pursue my interests relatively unhindered. I've always loved weaponry and military history from the youngest age and the fundamental role it has played in human history. A sad reflect on humanity, but most of the most important historical milestones have been conflicts.

I've been collecting militaria for years, specifically Japanese Swords and further narrowing this down to NCO swords. I also collected odd items that caught my eye. Japanese Swords are both very expensive and relatively homogeneous so that probably explains the oddities.

As well as the militaria, I have a collection of African masks that I've added to over the last decade and a half. I love the art and stark contrast to European culture. So in the browsing that sometimes leads to an oddity purchase, I found a buckler made from elephant hide which I knew had to take a place on the wall! Staring at that each day and seeing a Deadliest Warrior episode based on Africa made me curious so I started to look at African weaponry. It's so varied, so outlandish! I'm captivated and this is definitely going to be my side collection.

Would more knowledgeable members please recommend some books or sites where I may do further research?
I'm leaning towards Sudan right now as I love the kaskara swords. Definitely going to get one of those once I do a little more learning. Is it worth specialising or is it better to aim for African in general?
What are some of the pitfalls of the market? Many reproduction items?
How do you best care for the leathers and skins many of the items contain without damaging them?
Odd tips, hints, suggestions welcome.

I hope to learn a lot here and maybe even contribute something back in time. Once the books arrive I'll at least have some basic knowledge. Nice to meet you all!

12th June 2016, 12:24 AM	#1
Shamsy Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Australia Posts: 12	Introduction Good morning all, I was recommended to join this forum as I am just starting out my collection of African weaponry and shields. A little about myself. I live in Australia where the laws pertaining to weapon collecting have not as yet been over politicised. As such, I am lucky enough to be able to pursue my interests relatively unhindered. I've always loved weaponry and military history from the youngest age and the fundamental role it has played in human history. A sad reflect on humanity, but most of the most important historical milestones have been conflicts. I've been collecting militaria for years, specifically Japanese Swords and further narrowing this down to NCO swords. I also collected odd items that caught my eye. Japanese Swords are both very expensive and relatively homogeneous so that probably explains the oddities. As well as the militaria, I have a collection of African masks that I've added to over the last decade and a half. I love the art and stark contrast to European culture. So in the browsing that sometimes leads to an oddity purchase, I found a buckler made from elephant hide which I knew had to take a place on the wall! Staring at that each day and seeing a Deadliest Warrior episode based on Africa made me curious so I started to look at African weaponry. It's so varied, so outlandish! I'm captivated and this is definitely going to be my side collection. Would more knowledgeable members please recommend some books or sites where I may do further research? I'm leaning towards Sudan right now as I love the kaskara swords. Definitely going to get one of those once I do a little more learning. Is it worth specialising or is it better to aim for African in general? What are some of the pitfalls of the market? Many reproduction items? How do you best care for the leathers and skins many of the items contain without damaging them? Odd tips, hints, suggestions welcome. I hope to learn a lot here and maybe even contribute something back in time. Once the books arrive I'll at least have some basic knowledge. Nice to meet you all!