PLEASE, COULD YOU HELP ME?

Tim Simmons · 14th June 2005, 07:32 PM

Hello again, these pictures illustrate my thinking.I am not an expert and we are discussing variation between many related people in one small cultral area.The first two pictures are Tetela Knives {some of you will already have these pictures}note the slim angular blades and style of decorative metalwork on the handle.The last picture represents knives of the Hamba,Yela,Kela and other neighbours seen on the map, where we see the rounded sides to the knife, still some way from the Leka.I am only spliting hairs but it is fun and might prompt somebody with more information.Tim

Flavio · 15th June 2005, 06:23 PM

Hello Tim, I'm completely agree with you. Often we can see blades that are clearly attributed to a specific tribe, mounted on an handle evidently of another tribe. I Think that this was quite normal among tribes in a zone quite narrow.

Conogre · 17th June 2005, 12:27 AM

I would have to concur as well, particularly when you take into consideration that often the blade and hilt are by two different people, often from different tribes as well, considering that trading blades appears to have been the norm, rather than the exception.
My own personal theory is that the exquisite textbook versions usually pictured are probably chief's or high ranking people within the tribal council, while the typical tribesman/warrior were likely to have atypical specimens that were similar in style and then dressed according to the owners tribal preferences......rehilting as the warrior advanced in rank would have been a strong possibility as well.
Lastly, this would also likely occur in scavenged blades from the field of battle after an inter-tribal conflict.
I also suspect that the Leka and Lega may well be synonamous as consonants are often switched in phonetic spellings.
Mike

14th June 2005, 07:32 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,855	Hello again, these pictures illustrate my thinking.I am not an expert and we are discussing variation between many related people in one small cultral area.The first two pictures are Tetela Knives {some of you will already have these pictures}note the slim angular blades and style of decorative metalwork on the handle.The last picture represents knives of the Hamba,Yela,Kela and other neighbours seen on the map, where we see the rounded sides to the knife, still some way from the Leka.I am only spliting hairs but it is fun and might prompt somebody with more information.Tim Attached Images Last edited by Tim Simmons; 14th June 2005 at 08:15 PM.

15th June 2005, 06:23 PM	#2
Flavio Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Italia Posts: 1,243	Hello Tim, I'm completely agree with you. Often we can see blades that are clearly attributed to a specific tribe, mounted on an handle evidently of another tribe. I Think that this was quite normal among tribes in a zone quite narrow.

17th June 2005, 12:27 AM	#3
Conogre Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Clearwater, Florida Posts: 371	I would have to concur as well, particularly when you take into consideration that often the blade and hilt are by two different people, often from different tribes as well, considering that trading blades appears to have been the norm, rather than the exception. My own personal theory is that the exquisite textbook versions usually pictured are probably chief's or high ranking people within the tribal council, while the typical tribesman/warrior were likely to have atypical specimens that were similar in style and then dressed according to the owners tribal preferences......rehilting as the warrior advanced in rank would have been a strong possibility as well. Lastly, this would also likely occur in scavenged blades from the field of battle after an inter-tribal conflict. I also suspect that the Leka and Lega may well be synonamous as consonants are often switched in phonetic spellings. Mike