Greek Daggers for ID + Translation pls.

Atlantia · 3rd September 2011, 10:36 PM

Hi Eftihis,

Excellent information and research on these Ka'mas, thank you very much.
It really adds so much to owning them to have such a complete context for their origins and background.
The profound sadness of the inscriptions is completely understandable now that the context of their choosing is understood.

I know that you have an extensive collection Eftihis, have you encountered examples like these before?

Regards
Gene

A.alnakkas · 3rd September 2011, 10:51 PM

Congrats Gene, Excellent pieces with deep history.

Like Ariel, I notice great similarity with the Arab shibriya. The only completely different part is the blade.

eftihis · 3rd September 2011, 11:01 PM

You are welcome Gene!
Just to add a point on the kamas, it is also possible that the refuge was actually the knife maker himself, and having his shop in KYdonies made the first knife there and the second he made (or completed) as a refuge in Mytilene.
Regarding Greek kama's, look at the photos below for areally funny inscription.
It is made in Elasona (central Greece), at that time part of Ottoman territory.
Although most probably made to be sold to a muslim client (note the minaret and the star and crescent) the inscription is in Greek stating the incredible: "I am a good kama, give money and buy me"!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Atlantia · 4th September 2011, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eftihis

You are welcome Gene!
Just to add a point on the kamas, it is also possible that the refuge was actually the knife maker himself, and having his shop in KYdonies made the first knife there and the second he made (or completed) as a refuge in Mytilene.
Regarding Greek kama's, look at the photos below for areally funny inscription.
It is made in Elasona (central Greece), at that time part of Ottoman territory.
Although most probably made to be sold to a muslim client (note the minaret and the star and crescent) the inscription is in Greek stating the incredible: "I am a good kama, give money and buy me"!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Eftihis,

Excellent point about the owner possibly being the knife maker. It would make perfect sense.
I will try to make sure that they are never separated.

Its amazing that despite the overwhelming nature of the pain and loss that their maker/owner felt, there is no anger or call for retribution evident in the words.
I find myself hoping very much that his heart was eventually healed in Mytilene.

What a fantastic example you have there Eftihis!
Thank you for sharing it. I love the decoration. Especially the moons with faces, and the 'bent' Minaret!
Great humour in the inscription.
Do you have many of this type?
Can I ask what the dimensions are? My pair are both quite small
23cm and 23.5cm overall.

Best
Gene

3rd September 2011, 11:01 PM	#3
eftihis Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Chania Crete Greece Posts: 511	You are welcome Gene! Just to add a point on the kamas, it is also possible that the refuge was actually the knife maker himself, and having his shop in KYdonies made the first knife there and the second he made (or completed) as a refuge in Mytilene. Regarding Greek kama's, look at the photos below for areally funny inscription. It is made in Elasona (central Greece), at that time part of Ottoman territory. Although most probably made to be sold to a muslim client (note the minaret and the star and crescent) the inscription is in Greek stating the incredible: "I am a good kama, give money and buy me"!!!!!!!!!!!!! Attached Images

3rd September 2011, 10:36 PM	#1
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Hi Eftihis, Excellent information and research on these Ka'mas, thank you very much. It really adds so much to owning them to have such a complete context for their origins and background. The profound sadness of the inscriptions is completely understandable now that the context of their choosing is understood. I know that you have an extensive collection Eftihis, have you encountered examples like these before? Regards Gene

3rd September 2011, 10:51 PM	#2
A.alnakkas Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Kuwait Posts: 1,340	Congrats Gene, Excellent pieces with deep history. Like Ariel, I notice great similarity with the Arab shibriya. The only completely different part is the blade.