Vertical Figure Eights

Some vertical figure eights done with the mountain axe held in one hand. This comes directly from Rusyn dance but rather than jump over the axe head when it passes low I withdraw the leg back as one would do in saber fencing.
I really need to retake this clip using the [...]

The Encyclopædia of Geography 1837

The Gorales are a fierce, highland race, constantly armed with
the axe, with which they can strike an object at the distance of forty yards; and they
brandish this weapon even at their dances and festivals. Till repressed by the vigorous
measures of the Austrian government, they were accustomed to make most formidable raids
upon the low country adjoining.

Hungary and Transylvania John Paget 1850

The hatchet-headed walking-sticks were then put in requisition — I do not know whether I have mentioned before, that all the peasants of the north of Hungary carry sticks armed at the top with a small hatchet-head, which I had previously considered only as an ornament, or to be used in defence, but which were [...]

Axes and sheppard crooks

Peasant Art in Austria and Hungary By Charles Holme 1911
Their axe-headed
sticks, which also serve as weapons, are of engraved brass, or of
wood inlaid with brass, some of the work being beautifully executed.
Their textiles and wooden objects, which they ornament
with pierced or chip-carving, are particularly good.

Manual of Forestry By William Schlich, W. R. Fisher 1908

“The Carpathian axe (Fig. 69) is broader than those already
described and is used also for splitting wood.”

The Invisible Axe

The axe played an large an interesting role among the foresters of the western Ukraine known as the Hutsuls or Trans-Carpathian Rusyns. One interesting piece of folklore is about the sound of a phantom axe. An icident of this myth can be seen in the classic Soviet era film “Shadows of our Forgotten Ancestors” where [...]

Southwest Vatra 2008

The first annual Southwest Vatra took place on the weekend of June 20th. Harnas Dragoslav gave a presentation on the gear and lore of the highland brigand. We will be adding a transcript of this to the site very soon. Below is the offical logo for the event with original artwork by our own Harnas [...]