Significance of Beaded Edges/Borders on South Indian Weapons?

ariel · 11th March 2019, 05:49 PM

Agree. Architecture is a dead end in the search for the origin of beading: no connection to jewelry in all its applications.

We are left with two possibilities:
1. Beading was just a " prettyfying" design, devoid of any deep significance.
2. Beading has deep sacral meaning. Proponents of this theory should find primary sources supporting this hypothesis.

mross · 11th March 2019, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ariel

Agree. Architecture is a dead end in the search for the origin of beading: no connection to jewelry in all its applications.

We are left with two possibilities:
1. Beading was just a " prettyfying" design, devoid of any deep significance.
2. Beading has deep sacral meaning. Proponents of this theory should find primary sources supporting this hypothesis.

I'm going with #1. Simplest reason is usually the best.

Mercenary · 11th March 2019, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mross

I'm going with #1. Simplest reason is usually the best.

The simplest reason for whom? For an atheist of the 21th century?

Jim McDougall · 11th March 2019, 08:52 PM

Actually 'Occams Razor' typically does prevail in most investigative cases, but not all of course. It does remarkably depend on the character and values of the investigation, and in reality in these kinds of cases it is difficult to classify subjective meanings to a particular decoration or symbol.

It becomes very much a 'Rorschach' test in a sense as different ideas will be the perceptions of different people. I think here we are seeking any possible or likely value or tradition which might apply to beaded decoration in South India.

I don't think that such views are in any way irreverent as expressed, and what is meant is that as often expressed, often decoration is applied aesthetically and perhaps may recall certain reverent or auspicious features. I think this is actually a respectful expression of a highly regarded element or form intended to enhance.

11th March 2019, 05:49 PM	#1
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Agree. Architecture is a dead end in the search for the origin of beading: no connection to jewelry in all its applications. We are left with two possibilities: 1. Beading was just a " prettyfying" design, devoid of any deep significance. 2. Beading has deep sacral meaning. Proponents of this theory should find primary sources supporting this hypothesis.

11th March 2019, 08:52 PM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,597	Actually 'Occams Razor' typically does prevail in most investigative cases, but not all of course. It does remarkably depend on the character and values of the investigation, and in reality in these kinds of cases it is difficult to classify subjective meanings to a particular decoration or symbol. It becomes very much a 'Rorschach' test in a sense as different ideas will be the perceptions of different people. I think here we are seeking any possible or likely value or tradition which might apply to beaded decoration in South India. I don't think that such views are in any way irreverent as expressed, and what is meant is that as often expressed, often decoration is applied aesthetically and perhaps may recall certain reverent or auspicious features. I think this is actually a respectful expression of a highly regarded element or form intended to enhance.