Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

katana · 12th January 2009, 05:31 PM

Apparently this form of sword is attributable to several tribes Ngombe, Poto or Ngbandi.

Found this example, which has lost the pommel covering....to reveal straw. However, this could have been 'protection' for an object held within or even the straw itself may have symbolic or religious meaning. It is 'so easy' ...with western eyes to think the 'straw' is insignificant or just 'stuffing'. Afterall it could be dried grass that originally grew on sacred ground etc.It is known through the centuries that some warriors carried a small quantity of 'home soil' as a talisman ....even dracula in Stoker's story needed earth from his native country , sprinkled in his coffin. Perhaps, a similar idea

http://www.hamillgallery.com/CURRENC...CY/Poto04.html

http://www.hamillgallery.com/CURRENC...CY/Poto11.html

Regards David

12th January 2009, 05:31 PM	#6
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Apparently this form of sword is attributable to several tribes Ngombe, Poto or Ngbandi. Found this example, which has lost the pommel covering....to reveal straw. However, this could have been 'protection' for an object held within or even the straw itself may have symbolic or religious meaning. It is 'so easy' ...with western eyes to think the 'straw' is insignificant or just 'stuffing'. Afterall it could be dried grass that originally grew on sacred ground etc.It is known through the centuries that some warriors carried a small quantity of 'home soil' as a talisman ....even dracula in Stoker's story needed earth from his native country , sprinkled in his coffin. Perhaps, a similar idea http://www.hamillgallery.com/CURRENC...CY/Poto04.html http://www.hamillgallery.com/CURRENC...CY/Poto11.html Regards David