Nylon12, it is interesting to me to see the similarities and differences between cultures. For example, blades are a common medium among most cultures, but how those blades are shaped and their purpose is determined by environment, culture, and nature of warfare. For example, the huge Hungarian swords there were most likely designed against cavalary - to break horses' legs - rather than actual man to man combat.
I can't imagine how terrifying it must have been going into a battle with swords and hatchets knowing you might get hacked/stabbed to a slow and painful death. Somehow, it makes dying in a modern war by being shot with bullets seem comforting.
Ed, given the current multiplicity of ways technology now allows us to die, I wonder if it is "better", or just different. Dying in a missile strike or by white phosphorus or in a burning vehicle sounds equally horrendous to me.
Perhaps the better question is why do we keep trying to find better ways to kill each other?
Comments are welcome (and necessary, for good conversation). If you could take the time to be kind and not practice profanity, it would be appreciated. Thanks for posting!
Interesting to see the imaginative ways Man has tried to protect himself and kill in other parts of the world TB.
ReplyDeleteNylon12, it is interesting to me to see the similarities and differences between cultures. For example, blades are a common medium among most cultures, but how those blades are shaped and their purpose is determined by environment, culture, and nature of warfare. For example, the huge Hungarian swords there were most likely designed against cavalary - to break horses' legs - rather than actual man to man combat.
DeleteI can't imagine how terrifying it must have been going into a battle with swords and hatchets knowing you might get hacked/stabbed to a slow and painful death. Somehow, it makes dying in a modern war by being shot with bullets seem comforting.
ReplyDeleteEd, given the current multiplicity of ways technology now allows us to die, I wonder if it is "better", or just different. Dying in a missile strike or by white phosphorus or in a burning vehicle sounds equally horrendous to me.
DeletePerhaps the better question is why do we keep trying to find better ways to kill each other?
A really fine collection. The bows are especially interesting.
ReplyDeleteLeigh - I have not seen a great many collections (Vienna, Tokyo) but this one was stellar.
DeleteBack in the day, the craftsman was intimately associated with his or her output. Now, not so much.