Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

B.I · 2nd February 2006, 08:06 PM

the culture is important to consider, and in india, aesthetics and form were considered alongside its usefulness in battle. as ham said, brass did have its limited use, but this doesnt mean that brass was not used in 'real' weapons and armour, as well as copper and bronze (more widely used in an earlier age). the pata was used in ritual and dance, and think the later brass-hilted patas with flexible blades were more likely used for this purpose.
the maharathas used them into the 18thC (as well as other cultures as far back as the 16th, and possibly earlier). the form of the guantlet will give a clue of its age, more than the material.

2nd February 2006, 08:06 PM	#4
B.I Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 485	the culture is important to consider, and in india, aesthetics and form were considered alongside its usefulness in battle. as ham said, brass did have its limited use, but this doesnt mean that brass was not used in 'real' weapons and armour, as well as copper and bronze (more widely used in an earlier age). the pata was used in ritual and dance, and think the later brass-hilted patas with flexible blades were more likely used for this purpose. the maharathas used them into the 18thC (as well as other cultures as far back as the 16th, and possibly earlier). the form of the guantlet will give a clue of its age, more than the material.