Talismanic Devices and Imbuements on Islamic Arms

[Oliver Pinchot]

The inscriptions read as follows:

Upper cartouche: Abbas, Servant of the Ruler of the Nation

This is a very typical formula and is found on the preponderance of such blades.


Lower cartouche: Work of Zaman Isfahani


A known, but not common, maker. Zaman of Isfahan is often referred to as the "son of Assad Allah" but that, like most of the lore, should be taken as praise, rather than representing a literal relationship.


The lateral inscription: Victory from Allah and conquest nigh!

This is a popular Islamic phrase often found on weapons.

An above average blade, congratulations to its owner.

[Edster]

Great topic, Jim.

I could add what Julie Anderson describes as a waqf 3X3 Magic Number block and Koranic text on an elaborate Ali Dinar kaskara sword in her article available on the EAA Geographical Index.

Snakes have talismanic qualities including stealth and quickness as shown on one of Reed's sketches as well as examples submitted by EAA members.

Silver dress on swords are supposed to protect users from knife attack, and copper wire and inlays will work to a lesser extent.

The fly, cross & orb, and rampant cat, Solingen blade makers marks have been given qualities of manliness and bravery by Kassala bladesmiths.

These examples are from only Sudanese kaskara motifs within the Islamic context. No doubt other observers will other symbolic meanings including the cross motifs in Christian contexts that call on Higher Powers for protection and success in battle.

Regards,
Ed

[Jim McDougall]

Thanks Ed! and great input on the Sudanese aspects of the talismanic elements in the motif on these swords. The folk religion and superstitions are often melded together with Islamic invocations etc. just as is the case across North African regions.
In the Berber regions such as with the flyssa in Kabyle and adjacent areas, the geometric designs in the Byzantine style motifs are thought to represent the fibula or as described 'Hand of Fatima' apotropaic against the evil eye.


Good notes on these aspects of the metals used in the dress on these swords as well. Thank you!

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Oliver Pinchot

The inscriptions read as follows:

Upper cartouche: Abbas, Servant of the Ruler of the Nation

This is a very typical formula and is found on the preponderance of such blades.


Lower cartouche: Work of Zaman Isfahani


A known, but not common, maker. Zaman of Isfahan is often referred to as the "son of Assad Allah" but that, like most of the lore, should be taken as praise, rather than representing a literal relationship.


The lateral inscription: Victory from Allah and conquest nigh!

This is a popular Islamic phrase often found on weapons.

An above average blade, congratulations to its owner.

Oliver thank you so much for giving us this translation from the shamshir blade I posted, which is presently being discussed as well on the concurrent thread 'shamshir translation'. It is interesting to see the Buduh square along with these cartouches.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

PLEASE SEE http://islamic-arts.org/2011/amulets...islamic-world/ for a good general description of Islamic Talismanic artefacts.

[Kubur]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

PLEASE SEE http://islamic-arts.org/2011/amulets...islamic-world/ for a good general description of Islamic Talismanic artefacts.

YES and buy this book!!
excellent

Power and Protection: Islamic Art and the Supernatural (Paperback)
by Francesca Leoni, Christiane Gruber

[William Fox]

A huge thank you to Oliver Pinchot for Kindly translating the calligraphy. It has enhanced my appreciation of this beautiful sword.

If anyone has photos of other magic squares used on blades, please post them. This is a fascinating topic!

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

THIS REFERENCE CARRIES 173 JAW DROPPING REFERENCES ~ I would place this near the front of any research on Talisman related issues and in particular on Ethiopian structures, silver ring engravings, and other 7 stars related marks encountered across Islamic frontiers.
For the actual page full of research notes see https://www.bing.com/search?q=ISLAMI...s=ds&form=QBRE
While the pinpoint research document by LLOYD Graham is http://www.academia.edu/1999297/In_I...h_the_Pleiades

[Edster]

Ibrahiim,

Thanks for posting these two great links. The Graham article may have unlocked the mystery of the silver grip govers in my Kaskara Silver Dress essay!! The Star & Comet motif may be explained in the Dotted Cross and Stars within the Seven Seals. Likewise, the Squares could be an interpretation of the Dotted Cross as well. This may be a stretch, but so far it's the best explanation available. I'll revise the essay to include this speculation.

William,

The Sotheby's image of an Ali Dinar sword (c.1916) from shows magic squares on the blade.

(Help. I cannot attach images (Figs. 10a, 8 & 1) from the Kaskara Silver Dress essay) to this reply. The Manage Attachments button does not open.)

Ed


ESSAY HERE


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