Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Tim Simmons · 8th April 2006, 08:11 PM

To go into this in depth would be exhausting and off subject so what I say is a gross simplification and I am not an expert. The information is very general and names and lore would vary from region to region.

Snakes are seen as having and giving positive forces so a snake on a blade may well be protective much like Latin motto's on bladed weapons from Europe. The positive forces of snakes is in direct contrast to Christian iconography where the snake represents evil and sin. The snake in West Africa is the chief mediator with spirits and manifestations of the godhead and creation.

The snake in African art is often used to portray a bridge or the barrier to cross, as it's role as a conduit. The pictures of this large Nigeria/Cameroon, Chamba/Tiv? armlet from the first half of the 20th century shows snakes forming a frame or guard around the male figure. I do not Know if the figure is a deity or a representation of the local chieftain. Personally I think he is a deity as he is shown rather oddly without genitalia but the ladies on his sides have thiers on display, either way it illustrates the position of snakes in relation to mortals or the supreme being when there is the need for communion.

Hope that does not sound too "up my own ####"

8th April 2006, 08:11 PM	#8
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,842	To go into this in depth would be exhausting and off subject so what I say is a gross simplification and I am not an expert. The information is very general and names and lore would vary from region to region. Snakes are seen as having and giving positive forces so a snake on a blade may well be protective much like Latin motto's on bladed weapons from Europe. The positive forces of snakes is in direct contrast to Christian iconography where the snake represents evil and sin. The snake in West Africa is the chief mediator with spirits and manifestations of the godhead and creation. The snake in African art is often used to portray a bridge or the barrier to cross, as it's role as a conduit. The pictures of this large Nigeria/Cameroon, Chamba/Tiv? armlet from the first half of the 20th century shows snakes forming a frame or guard around the male figure. I do not Know if the figure is a deity or a representation of the local chieftain. Personally I think he is a deity as he is shown rather oddly without genitalia but the ladies on his sides have thiers on display, either way it illustrates the position of snakes in relation to mortals or the supreme being when there is the need for communion. Hope that does not sound too "up my own ####" Attached Images Last edited by Tim Simmons; 8th April 2006 at 08:31 PM. Reason: spelling!!