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13th December 2017, 07:07 PM
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#1 |
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND
Posts: 2,739
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North African "Banjo" Flask for comment
Just arrived in time for Christmas is this "banjo" shaped flask described by seller as "Moroccan". Certainly has features from there, but is it?
Top to bottom 21cm (8 1/4") and the "banjo" shaped base is 11.5cm (4 1/2") across. Made of brass,copper and with silver strip. The spout is bone. The body has decoration of fish and a snake, which is something I have seen elsewhere, but can not place it. Hopefully one of our Members can help with that. All comments welcome. Stu |
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13th December 2017, 07:28 PM
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#2 |
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(deceased)
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Portugal
Posts: 9,694
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Hi Stu,
If it is Moroccan, will certainly be an 'atypical' work; starting by the fact that the Moroccan symbol (flag) is a five pointed star, whereas this one is a six pointed one, a rather distinct representation. Just saying ...  .
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13th December 2017, 09:39 PM
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#3 | |
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Austria
Posts: 1,903
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Quote:
I wouldn't be so sure about the six pointed star. I have seen it in many certainly Islamic works like Turkish yatagans or Syrian saifs, as it is a rather traditional Islamic symbol as well (see link below). https://starofdavidsite.wordpress.co...avid-in-islam/ |
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13th December 2017, 09:47 PM
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#4 |
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,430
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I believe that the Moroccan flag up to 1915 incorporated a star with six points, (Solomon's Seal).
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14th December 2017, 07:05 AM
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#5 |
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND
Posts: 2,739
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Thanks for the comments above. I was a bit hesitant about describing the star as the Star of David, as it is (usually) related to the Jewish Faith. As has been pointed out though, it also appears widely in Islam and as a matter of interest was/is also found on Wilkinson swords.
What I am most interested in finding out is the association of the fish and snake symbals. Stu |
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14th December 2017, 10:29 AM
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#6 |
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,430
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The snake/serpent symbol is sometimes considered as protection against the "evil eye". The two fishes are a sign of the zodiac (Pisces). The fish was also an early Christian symbol.
However, I don't know if these meanings are valid with regard to your powder flask... |
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14th December 2017, 05:30 PM
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#7 |
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 457
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In an Islamic context, the six-pointed star is referred to as the Seal of Solomon.
Fish, singly or in groups, were a sign of potency amongst many Asian groups, including pre-Islamic Turkic and Indian peoples. The snake, most commonly found in Persian art, represents the skills of a warrior (i.e. the ability to strike quickly.) The form, workmanship and decoration of this flask imply a 20th century, likely post-colonial, date. |
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16th December 2017, 11:45 AM
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#8 |
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: St. Louis, MO area.
Posts: 1,623
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Hi Stu.
The curious shape, and the mix of symbols (per Oliver's mention) on this flask make it difficult to pinpoint it's origin. Honestly, I have no idea. But it is certainly attractive looking, even if 20th Century, which I'm confident it is. I would probably have picked this one up myself. Congrats. Rick |
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16th December 2017, 02:52 PM
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#9 |
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 457
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Sorry, I thought that had been established. It is certainly Moroccan.
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16th December 2017, 08:09 PM
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#10 |
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND
Posts: 2,739
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Thank you Gentlemen for the comments.
Yes I agree that it is indeed 20th century as a lot of Moroccan flasks currently being sold appear to be. Stu |
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