Tunisian or Libyan berber sword with scabbard

werecow · 8th October 2023, 09:24 PM

Yes they appear quite enigmatic.

One of very few swords that does not even seem to have its own collector's term besides "Tunisian berber sword". An English to Amazigh translator says the word for sword is ajenwi or ajnwi, so maybe in keeping with tradition that would be a good term?

Thanks for adding your own example! Very similar blades on these.

I like the decorative stitching very much and indeed the baldric is a large part of why I decided to go for this one. The leather does look like it is in danger of drying out (a small 1cm2 piece of it unfortunately came off in transit), so if anyone has any suggestions as to how to best preserve it I am all ears.

If not for the baldric and scabbard, I might have waited around for a silver hilted one (I know of one that I'd love to add here but I'll wait until the auction is over). I wonder if someone with expertise in silver work could tell us more about what tribe might have produced them?

It's remarkably light with that horn hilt. I thought maybe the grip would look clunky from the pictures, but in real life it actually looks quite modest and elegant.

Rick · 9th October 2023, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by werecow

The leather does look like it is in danger of drying out (a small 1cm2 piece of it unfortunately came off in transit), so if anyone has any suggestions as to how to best preserve it I am all ears.

Leather Therapy used for saddles and tack by equestrians.
Do a search.

werecow · 9th October 2023, 12:29 PM

Alright, will check that out, thanks.

Another question I had about these; on mine the protrusions from the guard towards the hand are rather subtle so they don't get in the way, but on TVV's example and some others they seem more substantial:

Does that get in the way of the hand at all when using a hammer grip? I'm wondering this shape it is a way of encouraging a saber grip, with the thumb and index finger nestled in the curves of the guard.

werecow · 10th October 2023, 12:28 AM

Actually, I think I had it the wrong way around; holding it again now, it feels wrong with saber grip (very insecure and oddly balanced for it) and it is actually when using the hammer grip that my fingers and the fleshy part between thumb and index finger nestle comfortably in those inner curves.

8th October 2023, 09:24 PM	#1
werecow Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Leiden, NL Posts: 491	Yes they appear quite enigmatic. One of very few swords that does not even seem to have its own collector's term besides "Tunisian berber sword". An English to Amazigh translator says the word for sword is ajenwi or ajnwi, so maybe in keeping with tradition that would be a good term? Thanks for adding your own example! Very similar blades on these. I like the decorative stitching very much and indeed the baldric is a large part of why I decided to go for this one. The leather does look like it is in danger of drying out (a small 1cm2 piece of it unfortunately came off in transit), so if anyone has any suggestions as to how to best preserve it I am all ears. If not for the baldric and scabbard, I might have waited around for a silver hilted one (I know of one that I'd love to add here but I'll wait until the auction is over). I wonder if someone with expertise in silver work could tell us more about what tribe might have produced them? It's remarkably light with that horn hilt. I thought maybe the grip would look clunky from the pictures, but in real life it actually looks quite modest and elegant. Last edited by werecow; 8th October 2023 at 10:23 PM.

9th October 2023, 12:29 PM	#3
werecow Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Leiden, NL Posts: 491	Alright, will check that out, thanks. Another question I had about these; on mine the protrusions from the guard towards the hand are rather subtle so they don't get in the way, but on TVV's example and some others they seem more substantial: Does that get in the way of the hand at all when using a hammer grip? I'm wondering this shape it is a way of encouraging a saber grip, with the thumb and index finger nestled in the curves of the guard.

10th October 2023, 12:28 AM	#4
werecow Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Leiden, NL Posts: 491	Actually, I think I had it the wrong way around; holding it again now, it feels wrong with saber grip (very insecure and oddly balanced for it) and it is actually when using the hammer grip that my fingers and the fleshy part between thumb and index finger nestle comfortably in those inner curves.