Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Andreas
Buttin in his catalogue refers to all his “nimcha” swords as saifs. He considers the type as the quintessential Arab sabre, with relatively minor differences in Moroccan swords, and attributes the origin of its form to a Sinhalese prototype.
I found another reference to the Indian nimcha, in a report by the French consul to Calcutta, describing the international exhibition of 1883. He mentions several swords from the Deccan by name, including the “Nimcha, a short sword, carried by the lower classes”.
|
Andreas, thank you so much! This is exactly what I always hope for in these discussions, other references not previously included; other sword examples from private collections as kindly posted by Kronckew; pertinent illustrative examples as always graciously entered by Estcrh and the key engagement in varying aspects of the topic by Ibrahiim.
These things are how we can bring the knowledge and advance on the understanding of these forms, as a team.
As you note, Buttin(publ.1933) did indeed refer collectively to these groups of sabres as Arabian saif, which I believe he felt served better to describe the entire spectrum rather than variations....though he does specify Moroccan in some examples. It is unclear whether he knew of, or used the term 'nimcha' in his collections or works.
In going through old notes, I found one of the key articles on this topic from Connoisseur magazine December 1975, by the Anthony North, " A Late 15th Century Italian Sword".
In the article he addresses the similarities in the Moroccan saif with an Italian short sabre of 15th century. In this Charles Buttin is mentioned with his comparisons of the kastane of Ceylon with European swords . In a paper he wrote ("Les Poignards et Les Sabres Marocaines", 'Hesperis' tome XXVI,published 1939), he noted an example of this hilt system as Spanish, however as North points out this was a North Italian sword in actuality.
I recall personal discussions with one of the Buttin family from 2004, and it was noted that Charles believed that the European swords had been influenced by the kastane. Obviously the early views of even the most venerable of authorities can have possible errors, just as his dating of some hilts of this form to the 14th and 15th century.
The earliest example we have found of the kastane with its guard in the familiar form is c. 1622 (probably slightly earlier).
The earliest known examples of the 'Moroccan' hilts are in English paintings of 1628 and 1640 .
There does seem to be a void between the late 15th century and the known 17th century examples of these swords in Morocco.
As noted swords with these style hilts are known in Mediterranian context with Italy late 15th, Moroccan early 17th, with the curious examples from India apparently later reflecting probable Arab influence via Hyderabad.
As noted, the kastane has its earliest appearance early 17th c.
So our question is , 'where are the examples of these distinctive multi quillon hilts in the 16th century? Perhaps knowing the location of their notable presence then might reveal more on the diffusion of the hilt form.
As for the term 'nimcha' it does seem selectively used but most evidence points to Indian context, although it does not seem to have been clearly understood by Egerton. Also another curious conflict, in Egerton it is noted the 'nimcha' was used by upper classes, however his emphasis seems to have been on the Deccan to Mahratta regions........the French consul noted by Andreas states conversely, the nimcha to lower classes?