Afghan(?) horsemans crop

Jim McDougall · 30th April 2023, 01:42 AM

I've had this for some time, and it seems likely to be an Afghan crop, as used in their sport of Buzkashi, which is their version of polo.
The solar disc motif has always seemed Central Asian, though I know it is a rather widely used device in decoration and items from North Africa have it also.
I have seen this motif on Bannuchi lohar axes from Khyber region.

Would appreciate thoughts, honestly would like to learn more on these kinds of accoutrements.

Bob A · 30th April 2023, 06:46 PM

It's a riding crop for certain, but I'm not inclined to view it as being a Buzkashi whip, for a couple reasons.

First, the handle is by nature slick, and would suffer from retention problems under the hectic conditions of the sport.

Second, gripping the crop in one's teeth is a necessary part of its use; this example doesn't seem at all suited for such treatment. The wire bail connecting the leather to the handle also seems a little feeble for such a purpose. Once could bite down on the leather, but then the handle would be flopping about and smacking itself into the rider's face.

Jim McDougall · 30th April 2023, 09:12 PM

Thank you Bob!
Those are all very good points, and forgot about the teeth held moments.
I guess mostly I had been focused on the distinct motif and overlooked the pragmatic matters.

30th April 2023, 01:42 AM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,951	Afghan(?) horsemans crop I've had this for some time, and it seems likely to be an Afghan crop, as used in their sport of Buzkashi, which is their version of polo. The solar disc motif has always seemed Central Asian, though I know it is a rather widely used device in decoration and items from North Africa have it also. I have seen this motif on Bannuchi lohar axes from Khyber region. Would appreciate thoughts, honestly would like to learn more on these kinds of accoutrements. Attached Images

30th April 2023, 06:46 PM	#2
Bob A Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 427	It's a riding crop for certain, but I'm not inclined to view it as being a Buzkashi whip, for a couple reasons. First, the handle is by nature slick, and would suffer from retention problems under the hectic conditions of the sport. Second, gripping the crop in one's teeth is a necessary part of its use; this example doesn't seem at all suited for such treatment. The wire bail connecting the leather to the handle also seems a little feeble for such a purpose. Once could bite down on the leather, but then the handle would be flopping about and smacking itself into the rider's face.

30th April 2023, 09:12 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,951	Thank you Bob! Those are all very good points, and forgot about the teeth held moments. I guess mostly I had been focused on the distinct motif and overlooked the pragmatic matters.