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28th May 2009, 02:57 PM
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#1 |
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,618
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Hi Jim,
Here is a carving from Mary's Chapel No 1 Edinburgh. My Regards, Norman. |
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28th May 2009, 03:16 PM
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#2 |
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,618
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Hi,
The upward pointing Triangle and the downward pointing Triangle are 'occult' signs for Fire and Water, particularly apt for a swordsmith. They, the Triangles, also symbolise the Male and Female principles. Regards, Norman. Last edited by Norman McCormick; 28th May 2009 at 04:35 PM. |
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28th May 2009, 10:39 PM
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#3 |
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Kent
Posts: 2,658
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Hi Jim,
the 'hexagram' has many symbolic uses in many religions including paganism. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hexagram Also on this link is this interesting comment "......A six-point interlocking triangles has been used for thousands of years as an indication a sword was made, and "proved," in the Damascus area of the Middle East. Still today, it is a required "proved" mark on all official UK and U.S. military swords though the blades themselves no longer come from the Middle East......." So perhaps the 'Mason' connection is unfounded, I am trying to find more references to the use of the hexagram as a proof mark on early swords, if I find any I will add them here. Regards David |
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28th May 2009, 11:10 PM
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#4 |
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Kent
Posts: 2,658
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In alchemy, the ideas of Aristotle were used by many later generations and civilisations and were included in early Islamic teachings
".......the Quintessence was often symbolized by the hexagram (``Solomon's Seal'') because it unites the signs of the elements....." (SEE diagram of symbols below) Quintessence:The pure, highly concentrated essence of a thing. The purest or most typical instance: the quintessence of evil. In ancient and medieval philosophy, the fifth and highest essence after the four elements of earth, air, fire, and water, thought to be the substance of the heavenly bodies and latent in all things. Mystery solved   Regards David |
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28th May 2009, 11:59 PM
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#5 | |
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,618
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Quote:
'The Fifth Element' makes a bit more sense now! Regards, Norman |
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29th May 2009, 12:47 AM
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#6 |
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Arms Historian
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Route 66
Posts: 10,284
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David, Norman, Manuel, you guys are good!!!!
The fire & water are indeed apt symbols for a swordsmith, and I had no idea about the six point star and interlocking triangles and the use of this symbol in Damascus. That makes perfect sense, and would explain the presence of this symbol on swords typically thought of as Islamic. What better surround on a 'proof' mark than that of quintessance as a mark of highest quality! Mystery indeed solved!!  Thank you so much guys. All the best, Jim |
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29th May 2009, 10:25 AM
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#7 | |
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Kent
Posts: 2,658
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Quote:
I wonder if the original meaning of the symbol on swords made in Damascus .....was adopted later to show the quality of the blade ...but for a different 'understanding' of the meaning of the 'hexagram'. i.e In Damascus the marking could have meant 'quintessance' ....but the later 'adoption' of the symbol could have been (assumed) to be the elements of fire/water. Both 'interpretations 'work' .........I think we always have to be cautious of the interpretation of symbols. Culture, history, geography etc could totally change the meaning for one individual to another. Best Regards David |
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