|
Figleaf
|
 |
« on: March 14, 2010, 02:43:48 PM » |
|
Last week, I visited the Leeds Royal Armouries. Apart from the predictable fancy harnesses (war harnesses are really rare) and gun glorification - to its credit, the museum also had an anti-crime department - showing the unspeakable damage of street crime, it had a very good collection of luxury, decorative arms and implements, showing the best of the art, as well as such unusual exhibits as elephant's harness and the full equipment of a Turkish mounted archer (shown elsewhere). Here, I will show some Asian knives and swords from the museum that occur on coins. In Malaysia and Indonesia, the personal weapon of choice is the kris, a dagger. The kris is ceremonial as well as a weapon, but each kris has a spirit. It is said that if the kris is drawn in anger, it cannot be sheathed again before it has tasted blood. This is a powerful detriment to the owner: if you do draw it, you may get hurt extensively. In addition, a kris that has tasted blood must be cleansed ritually in a costly religious process, or it will seek blood again. The coin is a Malaysian Ringgit 1995 - KM 64. |
|
|
« Last Edit: March 20, 2010, 12:00:07 AM by Figleaf »
|
Logged
|
An unidentified coin is a piece of metal. An identified coin is a piece of history.
|
|
|
|
Figleaf
|
|
« Reply #1 on: March 14, 2010, 03:13:14 PM » |
|
The khukri is a Gurkha knife, but it is more than a knife. It is one of the national symbols of Nepal, a heraldic device for Gurkha military units, a handy tool for the jungle and the household and even part of some Singaporean policemen's equipment. The khukri shown in the first picture is the equivalent of a Swiss army knife. It comes with all kinds of extensions. The khukris in the second picture are elaborate ceremonial pieces. The coin is a paisa 2005 (1948), KM 707a. It shows two crossed khukris and two footsteps. Peter |
|
|
|
Logged
|
An unidentified coin is a piece of metal. An identified coin is a piece of history.
|
|
|
|
Figleaf
|
|
« Reply #2 on: March 14, 2010, 03:42:59 PM » |
|
The Katar is another weapon that became symbol. As an instrument of war, it is notable for its purpose: piercing armor. As a symbol, it refers to regal power, the power that doesn't stop for a harness. Indian coins abound in katars. My example is a rupee from Bundi, Y9, where the katar is used for the power of queen Victoria. Peter |
|
|
|
Logged
|
An unidentified coin is a piece of metal. An identified coin is a piece of history.
|
|
|
|
Figleaf
|
|
« Reply #3 on: March 14, 2010, 04:14:47 PM » |
|
The function of the khanjar is now wholly symbolic. It stands for manhood (it can be worn only after puberty) and freedom (slaves may not bear arms). In the national arms of Oman, it is combined with two crossed sheathed swords. Note that the sheath of the khanjar is integrated with the belt. The first picture shows a traditional khanjar, the second some varieties. The coin is a rial 1378 of Muscat and Oman, KM 31. Peter |
|
|
« Last Edit: March 14, 2010, 04:22:01 PM by Figleaf »
|
Logged
|
An unidentified coin is a piece of metal. An identified coin is a piece of history.
|
|
|
|
Figleaf
|
|
« Reply #4 on: March 14, 2010, 05:06:22 PM » |
|
And here is an orphaned picture to conclude with. The adya katti was used in Mysore, Coorg and Malabar. It has a heavy, single edged blade which is inclined forward. This shape is reminiscent of its original use as an agricultural tool, used for clearing undergrowth. The blade is minimally 2 feet in length and is narrow at the root and broader towards the point. The hilts have no guards and are made of ivory, horn or wood.
The problem is that I remember seeing this blade on a coin, but I forgot which one...
Peter
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
An unidentified coin is a piece of metal. An identified coin is a piece of history.
|
|
|
RHM22
Senior Member
 Offline
Posts: 134
E NVMMI AGNITIO
|
|
« Reply #5 on: March 16, 2010, 06:07:00 PM » |
|
Very interesting weapons and coins all, Peter. Though I don't actively collect knives and swords, I do have a few that I've picked up around different places. By chance, I happen to have a khukri knife. The channel on the blade at first seems very menacing, until you find out that it's likely only there for tree sap!
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
UK Decimal +
|
|
« Reply #6 on: March 20, 2010, 07:34:38 PM » |
|
Just a fluke, but I happened to remember this coin.
Note the flukes on the anchor.
Bill.
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Ilford, Essex, near London, England.
People look for problems and complain. Engineers find solutions but people still complain.
|
|
|
|
UK Decimal +
|
|
« Reply #7 on: March 20, 2010, 07:50:46 PM » |
|
And the sword of Saint George...
...which comes on more than one version.
Bill.
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Ilford, Essex, near London, England.
People look for problems and complain. Engineers find solutions but people still complain.
|
|
|
|
andyg
Guest
|
|
« Reply #8 on: March 20, 2010, 07:57:11 PM » |
|
Bill, How could you forget this one?
|
|
|
|
|
|
UK Decimal +
|
|
« Reply #9 on: March 20, 2010, 07:59:09 PM » |
|
Not forgotten, just no picture ready
Bill.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Ilford, Essex, near London, England.
People look for problems and complain. Engineers find solutions but people still complain.
|
|
|
|
andyg
Guest
|
|
« Reply #10 on: March 20, 2010, 08:00:36 PM » |
|
I realise I don't actually know what that sword is (or represents), I presume it's Scottish?
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
UK Decimal +
|
|
« Reply #11 on: March 20, 2010, 08:12:31 PM » |
|
I realise I don't actually know what that sword is (or represents), I presume it's Scottish?
Sorry, neither do I. Bill. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Ilford, Essex, near London, England.
People look for problems and complain. Engineers find solutions but people still complain.
|
|
|
|
UK Decimal +
|
|
« Reply #12 on: March 20, 2010, 08:15:51 PM » |
|
'Sharpies' on both sides of this one, sickle and sword.
Would someone give me full details for this coin, please. I understand that it might be a commemorative issue.
Bill.
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Ilford, Essex, near London, England.
People look for problems and complain. Engineers find solutions but people still complain.
|
|
|
|
UK Decimal +
|
|
« Reply #13 on: March 20, 2010, 08:24:00 PM » |
|
I realise I don't actually know what that sword is (or represents), I presume it's Scottish?
Would you also consider the thistle to be a 'sharpie'? Bill. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Ilford, Essex, near London, England.
People look for problems and complain. Engineers find solutions but people still complain.
|
|
|
|
andyg
Guest
|
|
« Reply #14 on: March 20, 2010, 08:45:59 PM » |
|
depends if I was wearing boots when I trod on it I suppose.
I never realised that the lion is conveniently placed behind the cross on the crown.
I guess it's a sort of modesty cross.
|
|
|
|
« Last Edit: March 20, 2010, 11:37:11 PM by AJG »
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
