good day

Jim McDougall · 9th June 2010, 07:13 PM

518 hits so far, nice!!!!

Rick · 9th June 2010, 09:31 PM

Got tired of going up and down the page ..

Figure A .

yuanzhumin · 10th June 2010, 11:54 PM

Because I mentioned the Paiwan snake pattern in this thread before, I thought that it could be useful to have an idea of what I meant. Here is a graphic that could be of interest, showing how the patterns can be highly stylicised among the Paiwan, as it could be among other tribal groups. Diamond patterns, triangle patterns… all of them symbolizing the snake.

Jim McDougall · 11th June 2010, 06:44 PM

Nicely done Yuanzhumin!! thank you for posting this which illustrates the similarities in symbolism that can occur convergently. There is an outstanding book from some years ago titled "The Mind in the Cave", which deals with prehistoric man and discusses the meanings of many of the symbols in caves and rock art. Much of the emphasis was on the temporal interpretation of these figures and symbols, often suggesting that they were not necessarily intended to represent events that had happened, as they were meant to entreat positive forces in events yet to take place.

Obviously it is unlikely we can interpret meanings such as these with any accuracy, but it is interesting to note the similarities graphically, and these that you have posted really present excellent comparison.

Again, thank you for acknowledging and responding to my comments and posts, it is very much appreciated

I think we're on the same page.

All the best,
Jim

katana · 11th June 2010, 07:08 PM

With the many cultures that have 'snake' symbolism including India (Naga) and even Europe, that,so far have not been mentioned. I think tying the engraved blade to a specific time frame/culture will be difficult.

Hopefully, the dimensions/spec. of the blade will be forthcoming soon, this would obviously help to assertain the knife's function ...and perhaps then 'narrow' the possible origin. I do hope the blade is not thin and flexible...would you need the protection of the crossguard whilst 'buttering' your bread

IMHO I still feel that the 'raised' spine is functional and not a symbolic feature to 'mimic' a Benin blade, which usually represents an animal form.

Regards David

chregu · 14th June 2010, 05:02 PM

Hi
Thank you to everyone who made the thoughts and reveal their knowledge.
The knife is now in my!
Blade length 33cm
Blade width (rear) 3.1 cm
Blade width (front) 3.6 cm
Thickness (rear) 4mm
Thickness (front) 3mm
the blade is sharp only on the bottom

Tim Simmons · 14th June 2010, 06:52 PM

Interesting slim blade. The pointillist engraving catches my eye as does the steel plate under the brass button at the pommel. European hunting knife?

9th June 2010, 09:31 PM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	Got tired of going up and down the page .. Figure A . Attached Images

10th June 2010, 11:54 PM	#3
yuanzhumin Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Ex-Taipei, Taiwan, now in Shanghai, China Posts: 180	Because I mentioned the Paiwan snake pattern in this thread before, I thought that it could be useful to have an idea of what I meant. Here is a graphic that could be of interest, showing how the patterns can be highly stylicised among the Paiwan, as it could be among other tribal groups. Diamond patterns, triangle patterns… all of them symbolizing the snake. Attached Images

14th June 2010, 05:02 PM	#6
chregu Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: switzerland Posts: 298	Hi Thank you to everyone who made the thoughts and reveal their knowledge. The knife is now in my! Blade length 33cm Blade width (rear) 3.1 cm Blade width (front) 3.6 cm Thickness (rear) 4mm Thickness (front) 3mm the blade is sharp only on the bottom Attached Images

9th June 2010, 07:13 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,191	518 hits so far, nice!!!!

11th June 2010, 06:44 PM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,191	Nicely done Yuanzhumin!! thank you for posting this which illustrates the similarities in symbolism that can occur convergently. There is an outstanding book from some years ago titled "The Mind in the Cave", which deals with prehistoric man and discusses the meanings of many of the symbols in caves and rock art. Much of the emphasis was on the temporal interpretation of these figures and symbols, often suggesting that they were not necessarily intended to represent events that had happened, as they were meant to entreat positive forces in events yet to take place. Obviously it is unlikely we can interpret meanings such as these with any accuracy, but it is interesting to note the similarities graphically, and these that you have posted really present excellent comparison. Again, thank you for acknowledging and responding to my comments and posts, it is very much appreciated I think we're on the same page. All the best, Jim

11th June 2010, 07:08 PM	#5
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	With the many cultures that have 'snake' symbolism including India (Naga) and even Europe, that,so far have not been mentioned. I think tying the engraved blade to a specific time frame/culture will be difficult. Hopefully, the dimensions/spec. of the blade will be forthcoming soon, this would obviously help to assertain the knife's function ...and perhaps then 'narrow' the possible origin. I do hope the blade is not thin and flexible...would you need the protection of the crossguard whilst 'buttering' your bread IMHO I still feel that the 'raised' spine is functional and not a symbolic feature to 'mimic' a Benin blade, which usually represents an animal form. Regards David

14th June 2010, 06:52 PM	#7
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,842	Interesting slim blade. The pointillist engraving catches my eye as does the steel plate under the brass button at the pommel. European hunting knife?