Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - Kindjal or Qama maker's mark information requested

ariel · 10th December 2009, 12:52 PM

I would agree with the Turkish connection:
1. Relatively small size, light blade with narrowing starting very high on the blade.
2. Elaborate system of fullers ( Northern Turkey, Trabzon do come to mind).
3."Leafy" ornament on the ricasso ( similar seen on Greek or Balkan blades)
4. Handle of a "Turkish" contour
5. One-piece plate on the handle, with simple incised ornamentation.
In short, I do not see much Caucasian aura here, except for the general idea of a " kindjal"-type. But in the Caucasus, kindjals were rather massive weapons, a necessary part of the masculine image, whereas in Turkey they served a more humble, secondary role and were an equivalent of a utility knife, or a poor man's jambiya.

10th December 2009, 12:52 PM	#7
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	I would agree with the Turkish connection: 1. Relatively small size, light blade with narrowing starting very high on the blade. 2. Elaborate system of fullers ( Northern Turkey, Trabzon do come to mind). 3."Leafy" ornament on the ricasso ( similar seen on Greek or Balkan blades) 4. Handle of a "Turkish" contour 5. One-piece plate on the handle, with simple incised ornamentation. In short, I do not see much Caucasian aura here, except for the general idea of a " kindjal"-type. But in the Caucasus, kindjals were rather massive weapons, a necessary part of the masculine image, whereas in Turkey they served a more humble, secondary role and were an equivalent of a utility knife, or a poor man's jambiya.