new member, saying hello

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by ASH

Hello all,
Great forum you have here! I've been reading in on old posts for a while now,really great info. I'm excited to be joining the group!!
My interests have mainly lied in the area of Oceanic / Polynesian art and weapons, with an emphases on war clubs.
Though I've become more and more interested in African edged weapons, such as those of the Zanda, Mangbetu,Zulu,Shona and well to many to list .
And as much as I love the items themselves, the greatest joy in collecting for me 'as I suspect for many of you' is more in the investigation of a piece's history and culture of where these great works of art have come.
Well I'll get some pics to post in the next couple days of some of my favorite pieces to show and tell.

Regards Ash

Very well said Ash! and it is fantastic to have you here, especially with your well observed perspective on the importance of the investigation of these ethnographic arms. These cultural icons often hold key details and clues revealing important elements of those who used them and so many aspects of the cultures themselves. While not necessarily my own field of study, it is wonderful to see collected examples and read the fantastic entries of those here who share thier knowledge.
Welcome aboard and its good having you with us as the adventures continue!

All the best,
Jim