Yesterday I finished the first of two Camel-Elements for the DBA-army III/74 Fanatic Berber. Still got some basing to do. I can't wait to pitch them against the Feudal Spanish armies!. Black Tree Design.
Showing posts with label Spain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spain. Show all posts
Sunday, 18 May 2008
Thursday, 18 October 2007
Warriors of Ifriqiyah: Ghulam Skirmishers
As early as the 9th century muslim armies made good use of trained warrior slaves called "abd", "mamluk" or "ghulam" who could attain freedom after some years of duty and achieve the status of an officer. In the Maghreb and Spain they were mostly of slavic origin, so I decided to give them lighter skin and various hair coulours. I will use the minis on the pictures as psiloi in the following muslim DBA-Armies:
III/34b Andalusian
III/74 Fanatic Berber
III/34 Early Muslim N.Africa and Sicily.
All are Foundry miniatures and actually labelled as "early germans".
Monday, 23 April 2007
Double Headed Eagle. Silk. Spain 11th century?
Another double headed eagle. It's part of the treasury of St. Peter in Salzburg, Austria but was probably manufactured in islamic Spain 11th century (Reconstructed by the Abegg Stiftung Riggisberg, Switzerland)
Thursday, 29 March 2007
Islamic Emblems: The Hand and The Key
Today I found an interesting passage in Washington Irving’s „The Alhambra“ (1820ies I think). As I am always looking out for shield and heraldic designs I think the following gives a good understanding of the significance of two symbols, the “Hand” and the “Key” in islam. Irving is describing the gateway of the Alhambra (torre de la justicia):
“The great vestibule, or porch of the gate, is formed by an immense Arabian arch, of horseshoe form, which springs to half the height of the tower. On the keystone of this arch is engraven a gigantic hand. Within the vestibule, on the keystone of the portal, is sculptured, in like manner, a gigantic key. Those who pretend to some knowledge of Mohammedan symbols, affirm that the Hand is the emblem of doctrine; the five fingers designating the five principal commandments of the creed of Islam, fasting, pilgrimage, alms-giving, ablution, and war against the infidels. The key, say they, is the emblem of the faith or of power; the key of Daoud, or David, transmitted to the prophet. “And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut, and he shall shut, and none shall open.” (Isaiah XXII.22.) The key we are told was emblazoned on the standard of the Moslems in opposition to the Christian emblem of the cross, when they subdued Spain or Andalusia. It betokened the conquering power invested in the prophet. “He that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shuteth and no man openeth.” (Rev.III.7)”
Now I wonder how that key looks like.
“The great vestibule, or porch of the gate, is formed by an immense Arabian arch, of horseshoe form, which springs to half the height of the tower. On the keystone of this arch is engraven a gigantic hand. Within the vestibule, on the keystone of the portal, is sculptured, in like manner, a gigantic key. Those who pretend to some knowledge of Mohammedan symbols, affirm that the Hand is the emblem of doctrine; the five fingers designating the five principal commandments of the creed of Islam, fasting, pilgrimage, alms-giving, ablution, and war against the infidels. The key, say they, is the emblem of the faith or of power; the key of Daoud, or David, transmitted to the prophet. “And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut, and he shall shut, and none shall open.” (Isaiah XXII.22.) The key we are told was emblazoned on the standard of the Moslems in opposition to the Christian emblem of the cross, when they subdued Spain or Andalusia. It betokened the conquering power invested in the prophet. “He that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shuteth and no man openeth.” (Rev.III.7)”
Now I wonder how that key looks like.
Friday, 23 March 2007
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This blog is dedicated to ancient and medieval miniature wargaming. I'd like to share pictures of my painted armies and models, self made terrain-pieces and sketches of projects still residing in my head or on a piece of paper.
My main interest at the moment is creating armies and accessories, researching for historical or made-up scenarios and campaigns for the fast-play wargaming rules from "De bellis Antiquitatis" (DBA) with 25mm and 15mm figurines.
I use the blog-format rather unconventionaly. It is more like a scrapbook. And I update the older posts so keep checking. I recommend utilizing the labels to the left. So if your just interested in miniatures click the "Miniatures"-label and you will be presented with posts concerning painting, figurines etc. And don't forget to click on "older posts" at the bottom of the page for more. And many thanks for commenting!
Photographs showing painted toy soldiers, terrain pieces, scratch-built things and drawings © Menic Rüttimann 2.Nov.2006. Please notify me if you wish to use these.
Let your fancy flow...
Menic
