Powder Flasks of Morocco

[Kubur]

very nice collection!
One is Algerian, at least...
3 or 4 are 20th c. tourist productions, but as i can see of good quality.
Diversity is not suprprising when you look at all the different Moroccan long guns.

[Kubur]

Not mine, but look at this Moroccan powder horn and the little primer flask.
These primer flasks are always considered as Afghan but i dont think they are in fact...

[TVV]

Originally Posted by Kubur

These primer flasks are always considered as Afghan but i dont think they are in fact...

There is a primer flask in Buttin's plates that looks like this, so I think you are correct and these may be misidentified as Afghan. The problem is that the image is so tiny that it is very hard to make out any of the finer details apart from the general shape.

Teodor

[rickystl]

Originally Posted by TVV

There is a primer flask in Buttin's plates that looks like this, so I think you are correct and these may be misidentified as Afghan. The problem is that the image is so tiny that it is very hard to make out any of the finer details apart from the general shape.

Teodor

Hi Teodor.

Much agree with you and Kubur. While widely associated with Afghan use (you see them on original Afghan ammunition belts), I think the original styling of those tiny flasks are Persian - in larger size.

That's a great looking bottle style flask. I really like the purple colored binding.

And thanks for adding some history of the Region. It adds clarity for the reasons for the many designs of the flasks. Interesting. Thanks.

Rick

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by Kubur

very nice collection!
One is Algerian, at least...
3 or 4 are 20th c. tourist productions, but as i can see of good quality.
Diversity is not suprprising when you look at all the different Moroccan long guns.

Which do you say is Algerian?
Stu

[Kubur]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

Which do you say is Algerian?
Stu

The big one in the middle, a pure beauty!
You can see a lot of Ottoman influences, they didn't have the Ottomans in Morocco...
This is really a very cool stuff.

[rickystl]

Hi Stu.

Nice collection !! Yes, the variety is amazing. I think my favorite is the one in the top left corner.
Here are the only three "Moroccan" I have:

The one on the left is a great example of a tourist type flask. The hole in the spout does not go through the body of the fask. The front and back plates are only soldered in spots, versus the entire circumference. The carrying strap, while colorful, is thin cotton.

The horn is in very good, original shape. I added the carrying strap. It's tightly woven wool in an Ottoman pattern I ordered from Turkey.
The brass priming flask is old, with it's original strap, and still in usable condition.

I use both the horn and the primer to load the Moroccan musket. Adds to the fun. LOL

Rick

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by Kubur

The big one in the middle, a pure beauty!
You can see a lot of Ottoman influences, they didn't have the Ottomans in Morocco...
This is really a very cool stuff.

This flask was discussed here>http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=23189
Stu

[kahnjar1]

Very nice "horn" flasks Kubur and Rick. Thanks for showing. I owned one of these several years ago but stupidly sold it. Have my eyes on another one but don't think the owner will part with it, but we shall see.............
Stu

[Kubur]

My two Moroccan babies

[TVV]

Stu,
That is a very impressive collection of Maghrebi powder flasks you have amassed, showcasing the extreme variety of shapes. My guess on why there are so many diverse forms in that area and Morocco in particular is that it is a result of the history of the region and the various outside influences in the design of firearms and accessories. Proximity to the Ottoman Empire introduced Middle Eastern forms, while the conflicts with Spain and Portugal, along with the Spanish mercenaries who defeated the Songhai Empire must have certainly introduced some Southern European forms. Then there are of course unique local berber designs, and there is clear adoption of Northern European powder flasks which probably came with the arms supplied by English and Dutch merchants in an effort to help an anti-Habsburg ally. Finally, when the French took over the Maghreb in the 19th century, it appears French forms were added to the variety, like a pear shaped brass flask I have - there is a similar one in Buttin for reference. I also suspect that in the second half of the 20th century there was some creativity in coming up with forms which may not be necessarily traditional, but which look interesting and were intended entirely for the souvenir trade.

Regards,
Teodor

[rickystl]

Originally Posted by Kubur

My two Moroccan babies

Hi Kubar

Very nice examples of the Beehive and Bottle style flasks. Curious most of these Moroccan style horns/flasks tend to be larger than their European counterparts.

Rick