sword (weapons: edged)

Ottoman Turkish sword, yataghan, with single edged blade of conventional form extensively decorated with gold damascene in the form of traditional scrolls and foliage. The extensive inscriptions are dated 1249AH (=AD1833). The hilt has an iron grip strap and iron bolsters all decorated en suite, and the grips are made from 2 pieces of walrus tusk, shaped and riveted to the tang.

The Turkish sword 'yataghan' is a sword form unique to the Ottoman Empire. It is found mostly in Turkey, Tunisia and Algeria (the last 2 formerly parts of the Ottoman Empire). The blade shape is said to derive from the ancient Greek 'kopis' blade. A similar blade shape is found in Northern India where it is called 'sossun pata' or 'lily leaf'. As Alexander the Great invaded N.W.India it is entirely possible that such blades do indeed derive from an ancient Greek model.

fighting

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
6.9.66/43
Date
1833
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 755.65 mm x 38 mm x 26 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
metal; ivory
CATEGORY
Anthropology: Ethnography
LOCATION
In storage
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Collection Information

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