Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Tim Simmons · 25th July 2007, 10:36 AM

I have examined the glue here with x10 glass and made a scrape with a sharp probe and it is not a polyvinyl adhesive. It is some sort of resinous plant extract/gum slightly crystalline like Gum Arab.

Pictures of the blade. Approx 9cm long, 5.5cm wide. The thickness 3cm. The head of the axe is 41cm long from the tip of the handle to the top centre is 60cm a great force could be lent to a blow from this weapon.

This extract about the Enga from the highlands is very interesting.

Tribal Conflict
Tribal conflicts are common using crude clubs and steel bush knives, occasionally employing the use of shields made from corrugated sheeting. The usual method of engagement is for both warring parties to line up opposite each other, spend several hours verbally abusing each other, with small rushes towards and away from the enemy being made - increasing in boldness. Eventually, a critical point is reached and the battle begins in earnest.

Observing a tribal fight in progress is possible, so long as the observer remains an impartial non-combatant.

Sadly, high-powered rifles, home made shotguns and sidearms are becoming more and more popular weapons in Enga, both for tribal warfare and for raskol activities. Sniper tactics have become a more popular method of settling disputes. When projectile weaponry is utilised in a traditional tribal fight the death toll is significantly higher. This also presents additional hazards for those interested in observing a tribal fight in progress. It is recommended that the observer position themselves well out of the line of fire. Employing the use of a foxhole for protection is an excellent measure, as is the wearing of ballistic armour.

I wonder how an axe like this was actually used. Close range with two hands striking with either end, blade, handle end and indeed the other end of the blade housing? or just delivering devastating axe blows?

25th July 2007, 10:36 AM	#10
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,843	I have examined the glue here with x10 glass and made a scrape with a sharp probe and it is not a polyvinyl adhesive. It is some sort of resinous plant extract/gum slightly crystalline like Gum Arab. Pictures of the blade. Approx 9cm long, 5.5cm wide. The thickness 3cm. The head of the axe is 41cm long from the tip of the handle to the top centre is 60cm a great force could be lent to a blow from this weapon. This extract about the Enga from the highlands is very interesting. Tribal Conflict Tribal conflicts are common using crude clubs and steel bush knives, occasionally employing the use of shields made from corrugated sheeting. The usual method of engagement is for both warring parties to line up opposite each other, spend several hours verbally abusing each other, with small rushes towards and away from the enemy being made - increasing in boldness. Eventually, a critical point is reached and the battle begins in earnest. Observing a tribal fight in progress is possible, so long as the observer remains an impartial non-combatant. Sadly, high-powered rifles, home made shotguns and sidearms are becoming more and more popular weapons in Enga, both for tribal warfare and for raskol activities. Sniper tactics have become a more popular method of settling disputes. When projectile weaponry is utilised in a traditional tribal fight the death toll is significantly higher. This also presents additional hazards for those interested in observing a tribal fight in progress. It is recommended that the observer position themselves well out of the line of fire. Employing the use of a foxhole for protection is an excellent measure, as is the wearing of ballistic armour. I wonder how an axe like this was actually used. Close range with two hands striking with either end, blade, handle end and indeed the other end of the blade housing? or just delivering devastating axe blows? Last edited by Tim Simmons; 25th July 2007 at 10:51 AM.