Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - Circassian Shashka mid 19th tamga on scabbard chape

Jim McDougall · 23rd July 2025, 05:35 PM

In discussing tamgas, as I mentioned Iaroslav Lebedysky did considerable research on these markings, which while used primarily in instances with Turkic tribes of the Steppes, often became basis in much Polish heraldry.

It is notable that much as in the case of this Adaghe (Circassian) example, the tribal influences of Nogai Tatars also was present in Poland and the varied principalities associated.

Helmet Nickel, in "Ceremonial Arrowheads from Bohemia" (Metropolitan Museum Journal, Vol. 1, p.34, 1968) notes:
"...there is evidence that the Turkish tamgas, as well as various numerical symbols from other alphabets are all linked to earlier symbols purportedly of talismanic or 'magic' significance. Some of these symbols may be seen on the blades of many European swords and are usually assumed to be makers marks but this may not be the case".

The last sentence applies more to the devices, sigils etc that are often seen on European blades as noted, and my personal quest for many years to better understand these.

Returning to TAMGAS with the Turkish connection, it should be noted that there was a dynamic diaspora of Circassians into Turkish regions during the Russo-Circassian wars (1763-1864) and it would seem that the Muslim factions would have notably been involved.

With the potential talismanic potential with tamgas noted, it would seem possibly this tamga seen on my example might be that rather than the presumed family/tribal association.

Such devices are far from unknown on Caucasian weapons, as seen on the hilt of this Daghestani shashka of second half 19th c. It looks more like a piece of jewelry, but while suggested to be prayer related, or perhaps an award...it may as well be a talismanic device.

Another angle to look at in examining these examples.

Also attached, a panel of tamga examples.

Following: a tamga style device on blade of Tatar saber form known as ordynka, again a rare occasion of this affectation.

Further on tamga:
"Tamgas, Runes, Magic Numbers and Magic Symbols", H. Nickel, Metropolitan Museum Journal, (1973, #8)

23rd July 2025, 05:35 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,452	Notes for readers In discussing tamgas, as I mentioned Iaroslav Lebedysky did considerable research on these markings, which while used primarily in instances with Turkic tribes of the Steppes, often became basis in much Polish heraldry. It is notable that much as in the case of this Adaghe (Circassian) example, the tribal influences of Nogai Tatars also was present in Poland and the varied principalities associated. Helmet Nickel, in "Ceremonial Arrowheads from Bohemia" (Metropolitan Museum Journal, Vol. 1, p.34, 1968) notes: "...there is evidence that the Turkish tamgas, as well as various numerical symbols from other alphabets are all linked to earlier symbols purportedly of talismanic or 'magic' significance. Some of these symbols may be seen on the blades of many European swords and are usually assumed to be makers marks but this may not be the case". The last sentence applies more to the devices, sigils etc that are often seen on European blades as noted, and my personal quest for many years to better understand these. Returning to TAMGAS with the Turkish connection, it should be noted that there was a dynamic diaspora of Circassians into Turkish regions during the Russo-Circassian wars (1763-1864) and it would seem that the Muslim factions would have notably been involved. With the potential talismanic potential with tamgas noted, it would seem possibly this tamga seen on my example might be that rather than the presumed family/tribal association. Such devices are far from unknown on Caucasian weapons, as seen on the hilt of this Daghestani shashka of second half 19th c. It looks more like a piece of jewelry, but while suggested to be prayer related, or perhaps an award...it may as well be a talismanic device. Another angle to look at in examining these examples. Also attached, a panel of tamga examples. Following: a tamga style device on blade of Tatar saber form known as ordynka, again a rare occasion of this affectation. Further on tamga: "Tamgas, Runes, Magic Numbers and Magic Symbols", H. Nickel, Metropolitan Museum Journal, (1973, #8) Attached Images Last edited by Jim McDougall; 23rd July 2025 at 05:49 PM.