Since it is a helmet kind of day, what do you make of this?

Jim McDougall · 14th May 2005, 04:11 AM

Mike,
Excellent observations as always!!
Thanks for mentioning that very unusual helmet in Spring. It is interesting to note that Darfur was quite connected to regions to the west via the caravan routes, particularly Bornu and of course Nigeria. These same routes were key to the diffusion of considerable weaponry and may well account for the use of the familiar flared tip scabbard of kaskaras on the Manding sabres with guardless hilts.
Best regards,
Jim

tom hyle · 14th May 2005, 11:23 AM

It is your opinion then, that said diffusion of the scabbard type was Westward?

Jim McDougall · 15th May 2005, 06:18 AM

Hi Tom,
Yes I do believe this particular scabbard feature was inspired by iconographic sources in eastern regions and moved to the west, via these trade routes.
It is often interesting to see diffusion and certain influences carried in almost a round trip movement.
Best regards,
Jim

Aqtai · 15th May 2005, 12:25 PM

I know very little about African helmets. I am aware that helmets and armour where worn in Sudan until the end of the 19th century, but I was under the impression that these were usually Turkish and Iranian pieces imported decades or centuries before, then passed from father to son as family heirlooms.

This particular helmet partially confirms that for me. Although it is of African manufacture it appears to be modelled upon the Iranian Kulah khud. It shares with the kulah khud the spike, the sliding nasal and the mail camail.

This is going to sound cheeky, but would it be possible pleae to see a photo of the helmet on some kind of stand so we can see the camail and nasal more clearly?

Conogre · 15th May 2005, 08:04 PM

Or perhaps, on a proud owner? **evil grin**
Mike

RSWORD · 16th May 2005, 02:33 AM

Gentleman:

I aim to please. Here is a pic of the helmet on a stand. I must humbly decline Mike's offer to model the helmet due to the fact I could not possibly live up to your modeling standards.

16th May 2005, 02:33 AM	#6
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,093	Gentleman: I aim to please. Here is a pic of the helmet on a stand. I must humbly decline Mike's offer to model the helmet due to the fact I could not possibly live up to your modeling standards. Attached Images

14th May 2005, 04:11 AM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,670	Mike, Excellent observations as always!! Thanks for mentioning that very unusual helmet in Spring. It is interesting to note that Darfur was quite connected to regions to the west via the caravan routes, particularly Bornu and of course Nigeria. These same routes were key to the diffusion of considerable weaponry and may well account for the use of the familiar flared tip scabbard of kaskaras on the Manding sabres with guardless hilts. Best regards, Jim

14th May 2005, 11:23 AM	#2
tom hyle Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 1,254	It is your opinion then, that said diffusion of the scabbard type was Westward?

15th May 2005, 06:18 AM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,670	Hi Tom, Yes I do believe this particular scabbard feature was inspired by iconographic sources in eastern regions and moved to the west, via these trade routes. It is often interesting to see diffusion and certain influences carried in almost a round trip movement. Best regards, Jim

15th May 2005, 12:25 PM	#4
Aqtai Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Merseyside, UK Posts: 222	I know very little about African helmets. I am aware that helmets and armour where worn in Sudan until the end of the 19th century, but I was under the impression that these were usually Turkish and Iranian pieces imported decades or centuries before, then passed from father to son as family heirlooms. This particular helmet partially confirms that for me. Although it is of African manufacture it appears to be modelled upon the Iranian Kulah khud. It shares with the kulah khud the spike, the sliding nasal and the mail camail. This is going to sound cheeky, but would it be possible pleae to see a photo of the helmet on some kind of stand so we can see the camail and nasal more clearly?

15th May 2005, 08:04 PM	#5
Conogre Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Clearwater, Florida Posts: 371	Or perhaps, on a proud owner? evil grin Mike