Quote:
|
Originally Posted by ALEX
Norman, You're absolutely right. As ornate as it is, these jambiyas were still used and worn as part of the dress. Besides, the concept of "tourist item" developed later in the history, and even most ornate knives and swords were designed to be presented "live", if not to fight with, but to display in parades, events, etc...
|
I very much agree! It seems one of the most overplayed terms in observing ethnographic weapons is that of the 'tourist item', which seems to have evolved later as Alex notes, to provide souveniers to growing numbers of tourists visiting colonial regions.
In actuality, many traditional weapons are worn even in present times primarily as elements of costume, and though often not meeting the high standards of earlier combat ready weapons, they still carry the image as proud accoutrements.
Nice pieces like this reflect such instances, and have little to do with flimsy commercial items for sale to tourists.
Best regards,
Jim