Boabdil swords and Jineta

[Iain]

Originally Posted by Kubur

Thank you Iain, it's a fantastic 14th c. example!
Do you think they lost one copper ring in the process from the site to the Museum? And do you think these rings were used to hold the grips?
This sword is very interesting but to me it's not a Jineta.

To be clear these are two different swords. The images on the white background are from the Alava sword.

I think it is likely there was another ring that was lost at some point, yes they were used to hold the grips, likely two pieces of wood, possibly with cloth or leather.

Regarding the name, "war jineta" or jineta de combate is a term sometimes used regarding these as opposed to the more elaborately decorated examples. Personally I am more interested in the form than debating the name as this is the type of blade carried by Jinete cavalry.

The museum example is 12th century, while the excavated find is tentatively placed within the 14th century.