Ilwoon scabbard

Jim McDougall · 30th September 2007, 07:22 AM

I am wondering about the hilt form on these 'ilwoon', if anything is known on the significance of the markings typically carved into them and earliest examples of the form.
While free association at its best, I cannot resist noting the similarity of the pommel and cap or stem on the examples I have seen of 'ilwoon' resembling those of talwars and paluours. It has been suggested that edged weapons from Portuguese and Dutch traders in 16th c. influenced the work of Congolese smiths, who emulated the foreign forms. Is it possible that weapons such as talwars may have entered trade routes via East African centers such as Zanzibar and contributed their influence in the same manner?

I would appreciate hearing the thoughts of the African collecting guys out there!

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30th September 2007, 07:22 AM	#13
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	I am wondering about the hilt form on these 'ilwoon', if anything is known on the significance of the markings typically carved into them and earliest examples of the form. While free association at its best, I cannot resist noting the similarity of the pommel and cap or stem on the examples I have seen of 'ilwoon' resembling those of talwars and paluours. It has been suggested that edged weapons from Portuguese and Dutch traders in 16th c. influenced the work of Congolese smiths, who emulated the foreign forms. Is it possible that weapons such as talwars may have entered trade routes via East African centers such as Zanzibar and contributed their influence in the same manner? I would appreciate hearing the thoughts of the African collecting guys out there!