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Originally Posted by Iain
Hi Ibrahiim,
Thanks for clarifying the 751AD date. If I can continue to provide a little input, I'm still not convinced we can know the exact style that was transmitted - elements perhaps like the quillions but it still seems a bit of a stretch to say that this stayed completely unchanged? I have no idea, but logically I just see a gap here between the 751AD date and when we actually have examples from.  I would imagine some stylistic changes might occur over such a long period? Might be interesting to start cataloging all the old style kattara we can find to see if any patterns emerge?
Thanks for the kind words, I'm not an expert in Solingen manufacturing history but I've learned a few things following trade blades for takouba and kaskara.
I have not seen any blade that looked imported on an old style kattara, but I guess some cross over could have occurred. Would be interesting to see one. If you've seen some in the Souk, even in bad condition it would be interesting to get photographs if you can on some trip in the future.
That is the big question of course and what I've always wondered about the two types. The difference in hilts. It seems the question of interior versus coast doesn't provide any answers - nor does influence from any nearby countries.
The blade transition I think makes more sense. If the European imports offered some kind of improvement in quality over locally made old kattara style blades then I am sure it would not take long for locals to copy the form and the markings. This is exactly what happened in N. Africa with kaskara and takouba. This would also explain the museum example you mentioned with the faked wolf stamp. This seems like something of a usual pattern where Solingen blades went, copied locally, stamps added to give a sense of authenticity. The form and the stamps become associated with quality. This is of course just an idea based on my observations from takouba blades and may or may not be applicable to kattara.
The hilts of course remain a problem, the only other thing I can think about, and I am probably completely wrong, is that as the sword dance developed over time the quillions and balance of the old sword were possibly modified into the new hilt style to be better suited to the dance? So that the new sword is then designed more for dance? Could this also partly mirror the increase in usage of firearms as the sword became less of a primary weapon as muskets took over? Just some thoughts but that's the only thing I can think of.
Yes I thought you might be interested in what was written on that page. I have no idea what sources they used. Where you able to read the stamp?
My pleasure. I look forward to your further research, you have a great advantage over many collectors in that you get to live in the area where your collection comes from! I would give anything to be able to do some field research in Nigeria!
Cheers,
Iain |
Salaams Iain,
Great that you have taken such time to remark on the issue and your input is most appreciated.. As always in detective work I am concious of the danger is in arriving at a perfectly sound conclusion using logic and common sense without the painstaking research needed to back it up. The danger in "situating the appreciation" is always present instead of the other way around! The only way to nail this Old Kattara 1. With an original Style Blade and 2. With a blade of circa 17th C is to line up an example of each. (Im attempting to achieve that). I think that will happen quite soon ~ I needed to see Ariels example but having had a good look at it on the auction site I think it is an original form and, actually, could have an inscription at the throat..I will ask Ariel.
The blade with a clear, round Omani/Arabian stamp is fascinating. Im hopeless at precise deciphering and will ask Al Nakkas to look at that. The question there must be ~ Is it a manufacture stamp or a later ownership stamp? That weapon carries the usual information on this sword added verbattum by various houses. I think much of it is roughly correct but much is missing or clouded over. The Funoon and the Razha are not mentioned.
Your point about firearms eventually taking over from swords is probably right. Like in most Islamic weapons however I think tried and tested well accepted designs went on and on. In 1955 at the famous confrontation in Buraimi the tribesmen turned up with abu futtilla, daggers and swords as well as Martini Henry and Enfields.
~ I think we are looking at an ancient sword which at about the time of the Yaruba dynasty 1624-1744 which in perhaps the 17th or 18th C took on a thinner, flexible, less wing shaped blade from Europe (Germany) as a transitional blade which then morphed into the new Kattara in perhaps the 18th 19thC that entered folklore on top of an already well established tradition and as an extension of it. ~
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.