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Camel Hide Powder Flask with Dispensing Stopper and Suspension Chain. Bedouin Military Ethnography
€150Bid from €110
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• Object: Powder Flask (Drop Type)
• Date: Late 18th to Mid-19th Century (c. 1780–1850)
• Cultural Origin: Arab-Bedouin Region (North Africa, Arabian Peninsula)
• Condition: Very Good (100% Intact and Original)
These powder flasks were essential equipment for tribal warriors and desert nomads who used traditional muzzle-loading muskets and rifles, such as the iconic jezails. Their gradual decline began in the last third of the 19th century, when modern breech-loading metallic cartridge weapons replaced traditional flintlock and percussion ignition systems.
Materials, Structure, and Manufacture of the Body: Handcrafted from molded, hardened, and embossed rawhide, following traditional manufacturing methods using the hide of camel genitalia (scrotum and penile sheath). When viewed against the light, the material exhibits a translucent amber/orange hue. See Photo.
The body has a two-compartment structure composed of two pieces seamlessly joined by an exposed, double-stitched central seam. The stitching was done by hand using thick, waxed organic thread, ensuring firmness, tautness, and no material loss.
Decorative Technique and Ergonomics: The outer surface is ornamented with all-over carving and embossing using the wet compression and incision technique. The decoration consists of repetitive tribal geometric patterns of herringbone, notches, and incised lines. Anthropologically, these incised lines served the practical function of providing the piece with a non-slip tactile grip, ensuring a firm hold on the flask during weapon loading.
Metal Components: Dosage and Closure: The nozzle has a dosing/measuring cap whose function was to act as a ballistic measure to contain the exact amount of gunpowder required for each shot. The cap is made from a hammered metal sheet joined by hand-welding an old alloy. The cap has three textured reinforcing rings for grip and remains firmly attached to a retaining ring inserted into the leather by means of a handcrafted chain of circular links to prevent its loss during shooting expeditions or hunting trips.
Dimensions:
• Height: 20 cm
• Maximum Diameter: 23 cm
• Depth: 9 cm
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Camel-Hide Gunpowder Flask with Measuring Stopper and Suspension Chain. Bedouin Military Ethnography (c. 1780 – 1850)
• Object: Powder Flask / Teardrop-Shaped Black Powder Flask.
• Date: Late 18th Century to Mid-19th Century (c. 1780 – 1850).
• Cultural Origin: Arab-Bedouin Region (North Africa, Arabian Peninsula).
• Condition: Exceptional (100% Intact and Original Piece).
This type of powder flask was an indispensable part of the equipment of tribal and nomadic desert warriors who used traditional muzzle-loading muskets and rifles, such as the iconic jezails. Their gradual disuse began in the final third of the 19th century, when modern breech-loading firearms using metal cartridges replaced the traditional flintlock or percussion ignition systems.
Materials, Structure and Manufacture of the Body:
Handcrafted from moulded, hardened and engraved rawhide, in keeping with the traditional method of using the skin from the camel's genitalia (scrotum and penile sheath). When examined against the light, the material exhibits a translucent quality with an amber/orange hue. See The Last Photo.
The body has a two-compartment structure comprising two pieces joined seamlessly by a central exposed double-stitched seam. The stitching was carried out by hand using thick, waxed organic thread; it remains firm, taut and free from any loss of material.
Decorative Technique and Ergonomics:
The outer surface is adorned with all-over carving and embossing using the wet incision and compression technique, and the decoration consists of repetitive tribal geometric patterns of chevrons, notches and incised lines. Anthropologically, these incised lines served the practical function of providing the piece with a tactile, non-slip relief (grip), ensuring a firm hold on the flask while loading the weapon.
Metal Components: Measurement and Closure:
The muzzle features a measuring cap, the function of which was to act as a ballistic measure to contain the exact charge of gunpowder required for each shot. The cap is made from a sheet of metal that has been hammered and joined using traditional soldering techniques with an antique alloy. The cap has three textured reinforcement rings for a secure grip and is firmly attached to a retaining ring inserted into the leather via a handcrafted chain of circular links to prevent it from being lost during shooting expeditions or hunting.
Dimensions:
• Height: 20cm
• Maximum Diameter: 23 cm
• Depth: 9cm
* Pictures Are Part of The Description
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsMulti ColorMaterialMetalNumber of items1Height20 cmWidth13 cmDepth3 cm
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About this seller
Private sellerCádiz, SpainOn Whoppah since July 2026 • 0 sales