Intersting Indian? Axe

ingelred · 10th September 2005, 06:15 PM

This is an axe / walking stick combination which seems to be very common across eastern Europe and the Alps. In the annual Knives 2002 there is an article about these walking sticks.

Greetings, Helge

not2sharp · 11th September 2005, 02:25 PM

It's a European walking stick/ice axe

n2s

Jim McDougall · 12th September 2005, 02:40 PM

This axe is extremely interesting regardless of its age because of the fascinating history associated with it, being from such seldom represented regions as Carpathia and Wallachia. I found the ringlets attached to the back of the head intriguing as they recalled similar decorative motif I had seen on something else. After one of my usual adventures desperately trying to remember what it was I saw and the swath of debris in ever mounting piles of notes, files and books pulled out I finally found something

The decorative rings on the back of the head are similar to lines of studded motif on ancient axes found as early as 2000 BC in Persia, and are termed 'horsehead axes' by archaeologists noting the resemblance by thier appearance. These are described in "Chinese Bronze Age Weapons" (Max Loehr, 1956, p.27).

Naturally I am not suggesting any direct link or heritage here, but simply found the possibility of distant ancient influence interesting. It is also interesting that many ceremonial weapons in India were mounted with rings, jingles etc. that served symbolically in religious ceremony. Here it is tempting to draw further associations to the ever intriguing Gypsy heritage that has such key importance in the Eastern European sphere, and its elusive connections to ancient India.

These suggestions of course offer no proven links between this axe and references to these early weapons, however the ideas and associations may prove interesting in pursuing further research.

I know I would certainly like to know more on these walking stick/axes and to see more examples. If anyone else has examples I'd very much appreciate seeing them, and if there are references that might tell more on their history and use.

Excellent example Andy, thank you for posting it!! and nice work on the identification Tim and Ariel....you guys are quick

!

All the best,
Jim

zalmoxis · 13th September 2005, 06:18 AM

This axes types are to be found in mountain regions from Poland if I am not mistaken Zakopane area. They were sold and I think are sold as a climbing cane but the shape is after very old axes of the area. No Carpathian/Valachian because I grow up there :-). Transylvanian axes look a bit different but going towards Slovakia they start to look like this.

13th September 2005, 06:18 AM	#4
zalmoxis Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: GA USA Posts: 76	Polish axe. This axes types are to be found in mountain regions from Poland if I am not mistaken Zakopane area. They were sold and I think are sold as a climbing cane but the shape is after very old axes of the area. No Carpathian/Valachian because I grow up there :-). Transylvanian axes look a bit different but going towards Slovakia they start to look like this.

10th September 2005, 06:15 PM	#1
ingelred Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Moenchengladbach, Germany Posts: 62	This is an axe / walking stick combination which seems to be very common across eastern Europe and the Alps. In the annual Knives 2002 there is an article about these walking sticks. Greetings, Helge

11th September 2005, 02:25 PM	#2
not2sharp Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 210	It's a European walking stick/ice axe n2s

12th September 2005, 02:40 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,278	This axe is extremely interesting regardless of its age because of the fascinating history associated with it, being from such seldom represented regions as Carpathia and Wallachia. I found the ringlets attached to the back of the head intriguing as they recalled similar decorative motif I had seen on something else. After one of my usual adventures desperately trying to remember what it was I saw and the swath of debris in ever mounting piles of notes, files and books pulled out I finally found something The decorative rings on the back of the head are similar to lines of studded motif on ancient axes found as early as 2000 BC in Persia, and are termed 'horsehead axes' by archaeologists noting the resemblance by thier appearance. These are described in "Chinese Bronze Age Weapons" (Max Loehr, 1956, p.27). Naturally I am not suggesting any direct link or heritage here, but simply found the possibility of distant ancient influence interesting. It is also interesting that many ceremonial weapons in India were mounted with rings, jingles etc. that served symbolically in religious ceremony. Here it is tempting to draw further associations to the ever intriguing Gypsy heritage that has such key importance in the Eastern European sphere, and its elusive connections to ancient India. These suggestions of course offer no proven links between this axe and references to these early weapons, however the ideas and associations may prove interesting in pursuing further research. I know I would certainly like to know more on these walking stick/axes and to see more examples. If anyone else has examples I'd very much appreciate seeing them, and if there are references that might tell more on their history and use. Excellent example Andy, thank you for posting it!! and nice work on the identification Tim and Ariel....you guys are quick ! All the best, Jim