Jamdhar Katari?

[DaveA]

I purchased this jamdhar katari not too long ago from another forumite. A fascinating piece. I am especially happy to read Lew's posts for background! The history of that area is fascinating. Thanks Lew.

- Dave A.

[Stan S.]

Beautiful!

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by DaveA

I purchased this jamdhar katari not too long ago from another forumite. A fascinating piece. I am especially happy to read Lew's posts for background! The history of that area is fascinating. Thanks Lew.

- Dave A.

Thank you for posting this Dave!!! I will add this to my notes which have been greatly augmented by Lew's posts as well !!!!

[Rick]

Would it appear totally jaded of me to suggest that these examples shown are meant for others to purchase; those who chose employment that is 'not just a career; but an adventure' ?

Regardless of nation, of course; so many have passed through since Sikander.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Rick

Would it appear totally jaded of me to suggest that these examples shown are meant for others to purchase; those who chose employment that is 'not just a career; but an adventure' ?

Regardless of nation, of course; so many have passed through since Sikander.

The "Great Game" Rick!!!

[DaveA]

Rick,

Regardless of intent behind their manufacture, these are fine pieces of craft, representative of the style, from a far-flung people in a rarely visited part of the world. I for one am very happy to have this item in my collection and to have opened my eyes to a culture I never knew before now.

[A.alnakkas]

Originally Posted by DaveA

Rick,

Regardless of intent behind their manufacture, these are fine pieces of craft, representative of the style, from a far-flung people in a rarely visited part of the world. I for one am very happy to have this item in my collection and to have opened my eyes to a culture I never knew before now.

My exact feeling. Its a nice item, I usually trade away items that are "dubious" but I like this one :P

[Rick]

There can be charm in village made stuff .

An example from a hundred years earlier .

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by DaveA

Rick,

Regardless of intent behind their manufacture, these are fine pieces of craft, representative of the style, from a far-flung people in a rarely visited part of the world. I for one am very happy to have this item in my collection and to have opened my eyes to a culture I never knew before now.

Well said. I am curious though, which culture are you referring to?

[DaveA]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Well said. I am curious though, which culture are you referring to?

The Kafirs.

After your post Jim will have to learn more about the Kalash! I would also like to better understand the relationship to the chilanum, which is cast as one piece.

Here is information I have gathered from a variety of sources about the this weapon and the Kafirs:

There is much debate about the origin of the name and in fact which name is “correct” (jamadhar, jandad, jamdhar, jumdud). The spelling jamdhar seems to indicate Hindi origin yet “Jamdar” may also be a Persian word with the suggested etymology of janb-dar, that is, 'flank render.'

The Kafirs are an ethnic group located in the southern part of the Hindu Kush valleys, just across the border from Chitral, Pakistan. Today, this is a region of Afghanistan known historically as Kafiristan and today as Nurestan (Nuristan, Nooristan).

The Kafirs are thought to be descendants of an old Indian population that used to occupy the region and did not convert to Islam with the rest of the population. They sometimes claim to be descended from Alexander the Great who passed through the area; he only subdued the Kafirs after a great struggle. Their physical appearance is quite distinct from the Pashtun tribes in Afghanistan.

Until they were forcefully converted to Islam around 1895 by Emir Abdur Rahman Khan, the people of the region practiced an ancient Indo-Iranian polytheistic religion. Non-Muslim practices endure today as folk customs. The word "Kafir" is derived from the ancient Sanskrit name of the region that included historic Kafiristan. This may in turn relate to the Arabic word "Kufr", which means not only to disbelieve but also to blaspheme. Its derivative "Kafir" means one who commits blasphemy. Today, the people are known as Nuristanis to outsiders although they do not have a formal tribal structure such as the Pashtun's. Instead, they designate themselves by the names of the local regions where they live.

- Dave A.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by DaveA

I purchased this jamdhar katari not too long ago from another forumite. A fascinating piece. I am especially happy to read Lew's posts for background! The history of that area is fascinating. Thanks Lew.

- Dave A.

Salaams Dave... Can you direct me to the history you speak of having been sent by Lew as I have looked everywhere but just cannot track it?
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi