A kuba Nshaal?

Conogre · 31st March 2005, 05:59 AM

Those are cowie shells, something that I find extremely interesting as they are used as decoration throughout Africa, even in arrid regions hundreds of miles inland, throughout Indonesia and the Philippines and even on many Native American artifacts, making it probably one of the most universally used decorative items in the world.
Although some cowries reach 4" in size, the vast majority are too small to have any value EXCEPT as decor, making it all the stranger.
Mike

Conogre · 31st March 2005, 06:13 AM

Here's two Turkana pieces, just for example, and yes, I KNOW they aren't knives!**grin**
Mike

Freddy · 31st March 2005, 11:10 AM

Nice dress, Mike. On what occasion do you wear it ?

Now for some serious business. Here's an odd one. All I know about it that it came from Cameroon. It has a vicious spike on the handle.
Has anyone seen something like this yet ?

Conogre · 31st March 2005, 04:42 PM

That's a first with a pommel spike, although the rest of it appears to be jambya inspired with similar found throughout regions with a large Muslem population to the extent that further identification would seem very difficult.
As to the "dress"**grin**, it's a male sash and the female form was solely for photo purposes.
Let's just say it's a LOT of fun to open the door on Holloween and watch kids scatter in all directions..... Ive even had a mom or two slightly taken aback! LOL!
Mike

31st March 2005, 06:13 AM	#2
Conogre Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Clearwater, Florida Posts: 371	Here's two Turkana pieces, just for example, and yes, I KNOW they aren't knives!grin Mike Attached Images

31st March 2005, 05:59 AM	#1
Conogre Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Clearwater, Florida Posts: 371	Those are cowie shells, something that I find extremely interesting as they are used as decoration throughout Africa, even in arrid regions hundreds of miles inland, throughout Indonesia and the Philippines and even on many Native American artifacts, making it probably one of the most universally used decorative items in the world. Although some cowries reach 4" in size, the vast majority are too small to have any value EXCEPT as decor, making it all the stranger. Mike

31st March 2005, 11:10 AM	#3
Freddy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sint-Amandsberg (near Ghent, Belgium) Posts: 830	Nice dress, Mike. On what occasion do you wear it ? Now for some serious business. Here's an odd one. All I know about it that it came from Cameroon. It has a vicious spike on the handle. Has anyone seen something like this yet ?

31st March 2005, 04:42 PM	#4
Conogre Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Clearwater, Florida Posts: 371	That's a first with a pommel spike, although the rest of it appears to be jambya inspired with similar found throughout regions with a large Muslem population to the extent that further identification would seem very difficult. As to the "dress"grin, it's a male sash and the female form was solely for photo purposes. Let's just say it's a LOT of fun to open the door on Holloween and watch kids scatter in all directions..... Ive even had a mom or two slightly taken aback! LOL! Mike