Tanzanian swagger/fighting stick?

Tim Simmons · 11th August 2006, 07:14 AM

David that is very interesting. I do wonder if you have really brought something to the discussion. The Burun cup link, is all about the magic quality of Rhinoceros horn. Perhaps this is more of a staff, one could deliver a jolly good whack to protect yourself if need be. Anyhow I now think that the carving is deliberate. Thanks for information. Something to take to the next Halloween party

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katana · 11th August 2006, 01:09 PM

Tim, regarding the Barum cup.....the belief that Rhino horn neutralised poisons was also prevalent in Asia and Europe and there are numerous examples of similar cups.....which I found surprising.
The mystical powers of Rhino horn are mainly concerning increased sexual power and longevity. With the combination of the carved female form and the phallic symbolism of the staff, suggests a fertilty or a 'right of passage' ritualistic device.
Perhaps the 6 fingered hand is symbolic of the female connection to a diety (creator ?), the bringer of life?
It is also possible that the 6 fingered hand is a direct representation of an individual. In tight knit communities genetic anomolies would be 'consentrated' in a localised area, if this was the case, perhaps it is a form of tribal/community identity.

Tim Simmons · 11th August 2006, 05:05 PM

I think this is most probably the case, a protective talisman. I think I am rather lucky to have it in my care for my life time. It goes with my Baron Samedi costume.

katana · 11th August 2006, 05:09 PM

THE THINGS VOO DO.....

The Double D · 11th August 2006, 06:54 PM

Is that Rhino horn? If it is it came from an exceptional rhino. Black rhino horn averages 12 to 32 inches. White rhino averages 24 inches although the record is 5" 3".

11th August 2006, 07:14 AM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,875	David that is very interesting. I do wonder if you have really brought something to the discussion. The Burun cup link, is all about the magic quality of Rhinoceros horn. Perhaps this is more of a staff, one could deliver a jolly good whack to protect yourself if need be. Anyhow I now think that the carving is deliberate. Thanks for information. Something to take to the next Halloween party .

11th August 2006, 01:09 PM	#2
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Tim, regarding the Barum cup.....the belief that Rhino horn neutralised poisons was also prevalent in Asia and Europe and there are numerous examples of similar cups.....which I found surprising. The mystical powers of Rhino horn are mainly concerning increased sexual power and longevity. With the combination of the carved female form and the phallic symbolism of the staff, suggests a fertilty or a 'right of passage' ritualistic device. Perhaps the 6 fingered hand is symbolic of the female connection to a diety (creator ?), the bringer of life? It is also possible that the 6 fingered hand is a direct representation of an individual. In tight knit communities genetic anomolies would be 'consentrated' in a localised area, if this was the case, perhaps it is a form of tribal/community identity.

11th August 2006, 05:05 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,875	I think this is most probably the case, a protective talisman. I think I am rather lucky to have it in my care for my life time. It goes with my Baron Samedi costume.

11th August 2006, 05:09 PM	#4
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	THE THINGS VOO DO.....

11th August 2006, 06:54 PM	#5
The Double D Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: On the banks of Cut Bank Creek, Montana Posts: 189	Is that Rhino horn? If it is it came from an exceptional rhino. Black rhino horn averages 12 to 32 inches. White rhino averages 24 inches although the record is 5" 3".