My last Beja Dagger!?

colin henshaw · 20th April 2009, 01:19 PM

Hi

An interesting topic, that I have given some thought to and make a few comments :-

Tribal societies in the past tended to be very conservative and their customs and material culture could remain almost unchanged for centuries. Change might only occur when a dynamic and energetic individual came on the scene (eg. King Shaka), or when the tribal society came into contact with a more advanced culture (eg European colonialism & Arab infiltration into East Africa).
An example of lack of change would be the isolated Australian aborigines.

Tribes would often adapt the customs and culture of more powerful and dominant neighbours, eg the Kikuyu adopted the weapons and ornaments of the Masai and the Tsonga adopted the weapons and headring of the Zulu.

Tribal forms of material culture such as dagger shapes, costume, hairstyles etc., became "indicators of ethnic identity". Weapons would often become an important part of male costume, and a sort of adornment and display.

Regarding Beja daggers, I feel the most likely source of influence would be Ancient Egypt. The "S" shaped blade is similar to the Egyptian sword "khepesh". (see attached image). Other examples are - the Sudanese throwing stick "trombash" is almost identical to the Ancient Egyptian throwing stick, as depicted in tomb paintings. The Ancient Egyptian headrest form is to be found down the Nile valley, also lyre and harp musical instruments. The pronounced "X" shaped Beja hilts might just be an exaggeration of the traditional Arab dagger hilt with expanded ends to the grip, such as the Omani jambiya. Such exaggerations of established forms could again reinforce ethnic identity and display.

Just a few ideas to ponder...

Regards
Colin

Jim McDougall · 20th April 2009, 08:35 PM

Hi Colin,
Thank you so much! Thats exactly what I was hoping for...actual thought and discussion. Very well said, and what you have pointed out makes perfect sense, and more plausible than the more remotely probable Indian connections. I really do appreciate your response, and taking time to do so in well thought out comments.
I like your observations on the cultural development among tribal societies also, again reflecting outstanding knowledge on this subject.

All very best regards,
Jim

CharlesS · 21st April 2009, 01:38 AM

I'd seen the National Geo. Pics before, but not the more recent pics added to the thread. Great pics....thanks for sharing!

20th April 2009, 01:19 PM	#1
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,429	Hi An interesting topic, that I have given some thought to and make a few comments :- Tribal societies in the past tended to be very conservative and their customs and material culture could remain almost unchanged for centuries. Change might only occur when a dynamic and energetic individual came on the scene (eg. King Shaka), or when the tribal society came into contact with a more advanced culture (eg European colonialism & Arab infiltration into East Africa). An example of lack of change would be the isolated Australian aborigines. Tribes would often adapt the customs and culture of more powerful and dominant neighbours, eg the Kikuyu adopted the weapons and ornaments of the Masai and the Tsonga adopted the weapons and headring of the Zulu. Tribal forms of material culture such as dagger shapes, costume, hairstyles etc., became "indicators of ethnic identity". Weapons would often become an important part of male costume, and a sort of adornment and display. Regarding Beja daggers, I feel the most likely source of influence would be Ancient Egypt. The "S" shaped blade is similar to the Egyptian sword "khepesh". (see attached image). Other examples are - the Sudanese throwing stick "trombash" is almost identical to the Ancient Egyptian throwing stick, as depicted in tomb paintings. The Ancient Egyptian headrest form is to be found down the Nile valley, also lyre and harp musical instruments. The pronounced "X" shaped Beja hilts might just be an exaggeration of the traditional Arab dagger hilt with expanded ends to the grip, such as the Omani jambiya. Such exaggerations of established forms could again reinforce ethnic identity and display. Just a few ideas to ponder... Regards Colin Attached Images

20th April 2009, 08:35 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,189	Hi Colin, Thank you so much! Thats exactly what I was hoping for...actual thought and discussion. Very well said, and what you have pointed out makes perfect sense, and more plausible than the more remotely probable Indian connections. I really do appreciate your response, and taking time to do so in well thought out comments. I like your observations on the cultural development among tribal societies also, again reflecting outstanding knowledge on this subject. All very best regards, Jim

21st April 2009, 01:38 AM	#3
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	I'd seen the National Geo. Pics before, but not the more recent pics added to the thread. Great pics....thanks for sharing!