Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Jim McDougall · 9th January 2005, 05:08 PM

This is but one example of the fascinating and perceptive material presented in Dr. Elgood's new book, which can only be described as magnificent work in my opinion. This work on Indian weapons far exceeds any of the venerable and well known works that have stood faithfully as the few references used to study Indian weapons. Robert Elgood enters into important examination of not simply the appearance and forms of the weapons, but the subjective and religious significance imbued in them, something that should be paramount in the study of ethnographic edged weapons, but often is avoided in many of the established references.This would exclude of course Indonesian weapons, the keris in particular, whose esoteric study is well represented on the forum by the knowledgable members and readers who are students of these weapons, and the specialized books focused on these weapons. After reading Elgood's book, I can now better realize the depth of the study of these fascinating weapons, and how they reflect profound influences from India.

This work is not only essential to those interested in Indian arms, it is of key importance in establishing the significance of weapons in studies of anthropology and ethnography as distinctive icons of material culture.
While many of these weapons have typically been considered items of art in the more elaborately decorated and sometimes lavish examples, it is important that even the most pedestrian of fighting weapons of these cultures often carry subtle symbolism of thier religion and tradition. This point is brought forth beautifully by Robert Elgood in this new book, as is illustrated by this example shown by Jens.

To me this book is like reading an adventure narrative, contrary to often dryly written academic material. The colorful text is intriguing and parallels outstanding photos, with the detailed references and treasure of footnotes which are characteristic of Robert Elgood's work, standing ready for continued scholarly research.

This book has been long awaited, and I know many have copies ordered, which should be soon arriving. I very much look forward to hearing opinions from others when they do receive their copies, and hope that this will advance the study and discussion of this also very esoteric area of arms and armour.

Best regards,
Jim

9th January 2005, 05:08 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,177	This is but one example of the fascinating and perceptive material presented in Dr. Elgood's new book, which can only be described as magnificent work in my opinion. This work on Indian weapons far exceeds any of the venerable and well known works that have stood faithfully as the few references used to study Indian weapons. Robert Elgood enters into important examination of not simply the appearance and forms of the weapons, but the subjective and religious significance imbued in them, something that should be paramount in the study of ethnographic edged weapons, but often is avoided in many of the established references.This would exclude of course Indonesian weapons, the keris in particular, whose esoteric study is well represented on the forum by the knowledgable members and readers who are students of these weapons, and the specialized books focused on these weapons. After reading Elgood's book, I can now better realize the depth of the study of these fascinating weapons, and how they reflect profound influences from India. This work is not only essential to those interested in Indian arms, it is of key importance in establishing the significance of weapons in studies of anthropology and ethnography as distinctive icons of material culture. While many of these weapons have typically been considered items of art in the more elaborately decorated and sometimes lavish examples, it is important that even the most pedestrian of fighting weapons of these cultures often carry subtle symbolism of thier religion and tradition. This point is brought forth beautifully by Robert Elgood in this new book, as is illustrated by this example shown by Jens. To me this book is like reading an adventure narrative, contrary to often dryly written academic material. The colorful text is intriguing and parallels outstanding photos, with the detailed references and treasure of footnotes which are characteristic of Robert Elgood's work, standing ready for continued scholarly research. This book has been long awaited, and I know many have copies ordered, which should be soon arriving. I very much look forward to hearing opinions from others when they do receive their copies, and hope that this will advance the study and discussion of this also very esoteric area of arms and armour. Best regards, Jim Last edited by Jim McDougall; 9th January 2005 at 05:39 PM.