Not sure where this feature originated but rattling stones were found in the pommels of some Sudanese swords of latter 19th c. These seem to have been favored for audible effect, and tribesmen would ride upon foes or captives and shake the hilt of the sword at them menacingly.
In India, in an affectation which seems to have begun in Persia where blades were slotted to hold moving bearings which moved back and forth in the slots with movement of the blade. I believe even some Chinese swords had these.
In some references these were called 'tears of the wounded' and some claim these were pearls, not steel bearings (this has been discounted as not likely due to metalworking requirements in forming these features).
With the slotted blades, it is unclear what the purpose was, and it has been suggested that these weapons were only for parade, show as the blade's strength would be compromised by such open features.
There are possibilities that these kinds of features might be apotropaic, as such devices are notably important in many Islamic edged weapons, as well as auspiciously oriented religious symbols and devices.
I look forward to the observations and comments of those out there who have far more knowledge in these areas. The topic is a curiosity which has remained perplexing for a very long time.
|