New guy

[nKante]

Hello folks. I'm new to the forum but have been interested in traditional weapons since my youth. My current interest is west Africa. I am attempting to make my interprtation of pangolin scale armor seen on the bronze plaques of the Benin. Any books or illustrations on the subject would be helpful.

[Jim McDougall]

Hi nKante,
Welcome to the forum, and thanks for bringing in such an interesting topic! Its kept me busy most of the day and apparantly pretty esoteric ! so I hope what I found will help.

Apparantly the bronzes you mention depict warriors of the 'Leopard Hunters Guild' of the Kingdom of Benin (situated in what is now Bendel State in Nigeria). These warriors were first described in Portuguese narratives of late 15th c. as they occupied here and began the unfortunate slave trade which was joined by others and thrived well into the 19th century. The hide of the pangolin (scaly anteater) was believed to be one of the few West African animals that could withstand the power of the leopard, totemic and feared by the tribes of these regions. It appears that most West African weapons and defenses were attributed with magic powers and this guild was to control and administer these powers.
In "African Arms & Armor" (C.Spring, 1993, p.50-51) it is noted that the chiefs of Benin still wear bright red costumes which imitate the overlapping scales of the pangolin and indicate special status with the 'Oba' (=king).
This would suggest that these pangolin armored warriors of this 'guild' were quite possibly household forces for the Oba and that possibly the armor was colored red. This is suggested by the fact that the present costume, though not true pangolin, is colored red. I found that the ancient city houses in Benin City were apparantly colored with red ochre, perhaps this was in some way significant with often very gruesome sacrificial practices there? Purely speculative, but seemed an interesting note on the importance of red.
There is a book (which I have not seen but found the title) "Benin: The City of Blood" , R.H.Bacon, 1898, which seems to allude to same.

Other titles suggested:
"Antiquities of Benin in the British Museum", 1899, Pitt Rivers

"The Arts of Benin" Paula Ben-Amos, London, 1980

"Men and Animals in Benin Art"
in the journal "Man", Vol.II, Jun 1976, pp.243-252

It should be noted that the reference to 'Leopard Hunters Guild' does not appear associated with the notorious 'Leopard Men' who were a secret society involved in unusual killings in African regions from West Africa to the Congo in the 20th century. These were of course sensationalized in various stories including Tarzan, among numerous others.

I hope this information will be of some help and that you will keep us posted on progress. Its always great to see new enthusiasts in our studies and again, this is a very interesting topic that I hope others might add to.

All the best,
Jim

[nKante]

Thanks Jim. Spring's book is the base of my research. I considered making the scales red because of the red coral beads worn by the Oba, but when I researched African pangolins, I have only come across pictures of brown ones. Then again I am partially color blind. I have also researched the Anioto, or leapard men of the Congo. They were basically a terrorist group who killed people for political or personal reasons. Not my cup of tea. I have had less luck finding information about traditional West African martial arts. I have researched Vita Saan, but I know Kung Fu when I see it. I look forward to locating the titles you suggested. Thanx

[katana]

Hi nKante, welcome to the forum.

Many of the Benin Bronzes I have seen, depict their warriors wearing what appears to be a breast plate, helmet and a 'wrap around skirt'. Few with the scale type armour. But perhaps these are 'ceremonial' wear.
Scale armour has been used extensively by many cultures, although the scales tended to be manufactured from metal. I am wondering whether 'later' Benin pangolin scale armour was in fact bronze.

Heres some info on Pangolin Scales and armour...


They are the only known mammal to possess scales. It is said this armour of scales can deflect a bullet from a .303 rifle fired from 100m. The scales are highly sought after and thought to be one of the most powerful mutis (tribal medicine) amongst some tribes.

Below, is a picture of Armour housed at the Royal Armouries, Leeds.

Legend reads:
Scale coat
Indian, Rajasthan, early 19th century
This coat has been covered with the scales of the pangolin or scaly anteater (Manis crassicaudata). The scales have been decorated in gold, and the larger have been used where more protection is required. This is the only known example of this type of armour. It originally had a helmet, also made of pangolin scales, with three plumes.
The scale coat was presented to the King George III in 1820 by Francis Rawdon, 1st Marquis of Hastinges (1754-1826), who was the East India Company's Governor General in Bengal, 1812-22.

[RhysMichael]

welcome to the forum

[nKante]

I considered using bronze for my scales at one point, considering Benin's excellence in bronze casting. Due to financial reasons I decided to use African cattle hide. I have seen the Indian example before and fell in love. Since African ant eaters are bigger that Indian ones, I decided to make my scales on the larger side. This would also make construction and repair easier. The scales in the only Benin example I've seen were large. Taking into account artistic license.