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Old 19th March 2007, 01:38 AM   #22
Jim McDougall
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Route 66
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It should be noted as well that the 'pattisa' blades were noted as being quite flexible, and of course the widened tip added weight and force to the slashing cuts. It is interesting that the flexible blades used in such slashing cuts also gained favor in Arabia, in particular Oman, where the kattara blades are often seen almost undulating in swordplay. As I have mentioned, the pattisa form blade may well have diffused into Africa via Arab trade on the Malabar Coast and into Zanzibar, an Omani Sultanate, from there via trade into Kenya.

Amazing how weapons can diffuse across continents isn't it!!! But this is what our studies are about

All the best,
Jim
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