Annali di Ca’ Foscari. Serie orientale

Rivista | Annali di Ca’ Foscari. Serie orientale
Fascicolo monografico | 57 | Supplemento | 2021
Articolo | Arms and Armour in Ancient and Medieval Tibetan Literature

Arms and Armour in Ancient and Medieval Tibetan Literature

A Lexicographical Approach

Abstract

This article presents Tibetan terms and expressions for arms and armour originating in Tibetan sources as per research conducted for the Wörterbuch der Tibetischen Schriftsprache, a dictionary database that includes sources ranging from the eight to the nineteenth centuries. This survey shows that Tibetan literature bears testimony to the existence of a broad variety of arms and armour in Tibet, which are mentioned in various contexts: Bon or Buddhist sources, historiographical or mythical accounts. By tracing these terms’ etymological origins and focusing on the actual use of weapons, we may gain a clearer understanding of the origin, use, and value of arms and armour in Tibetan culture.


Open access | Peer reviewed

Presentato: 09 Novembre 2020 | Accettato: 25 Marzo 2021 | Pubblicato 10 Dicembre 2021 | Lingua: en

Keywords PikeHelmetSwordTibetan dictionaryWeaponArmourBow and arrowSlingshotSpearIron hookTibetan historyLasso


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