Stones, Spears, Swords

Dear history enthusiasts and sword fighters,

In this edition of the Dimicator Newsletter, we take a look back into prehistoric epochs before the invention of the sword. I present to you an additional element of my illustration of reindeer hunters in the Palaeolithic, shortly after the end of the last Ice Age. I would also like to introduce you to the experimental dances of Arttu Peltoniemi, which offer an unusual and highly sensual approach to Stone Age culture. At the end of the newsletter, you will find information about a podcast and a short video featuring Cornelius. Enjoy!

More Spears for the Hunters

In my book “Sword at Hand”, which I am currently working on, the main focus is on how culture and functionality shaped the form of the sword, the hilt in particular. The Stone Age is also mentioned in the context of interpersonal violence. I had already shown my illustration of reindeer hunters in a previous newsletter. I gratefully took up a reader's suggestion to equip the hunters with additional spears.

See the according detail from the updated version of the image above.

A Dancer in Trance

Arttu Peltoniemi has many talents. I met him years ago at one of my Viking round shield seminars in England. By now, he is probably well-known to many through his "Hirdmenn" blog posts and videos on shield construction, and combat with shield and spear. The Hirdmenn videos of cutting and shooting tests taking a toll on their authentic shields are very popular on YouTube.

However, his work on prehistoric dances, which has garnered great interest from both spectators and researchers, is likely less known outside Finland. Those proficient in Finnish can read more about it here. The article also includes a video that requires no special language skills. Arttu also provides an English language blog post on his dance experiments.

Cornelius in Word and Image

In the latest episode of the German HEMA podcast "Schwertgeflüster," Cornelius explains in detail why measuring original edged weapons is an essential prerequisite for practical work with and interpretation of historical fencing manuals, and how historical training weapons differ from modern ones.

For those who do not understand German, you can enjoy the English conversation between Cornelius and Guy Windsor, which focuses on timing in fencing. Always worth a listen.

Finally, a very brief introduction to the Dimicator Schola as part of a report by a regional TV station. The segment about the Schola is just over a minute long, it starts at 11.53. Despite it being short, we are always pleased with interest and positive media coverage.

So, that's it for today. Take care, and keep your blade well-honed.

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Yours,

Roland

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