Elephant: Difference between revisions

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[[Image:elephant.jpg|right|150px]]
The '''elephant''' is a large quadruped with a [[leather]]y hide and a prominent proboscis or ''trunk''. It exists in two species, one in [[Africa]], the other in [[Asia]].
The '''elephant''' is a large quadruped with a [[leather]]y hide and a prominent proboscis or ''trunk''. It exists in two species, one in [[Africa]], the other in [[Asia]].


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In the [[medieval]] period, the elephant was at the same time a "familiar" shape from [[Roman Empire|Imperial Roman]] days, and an exotic luxury, given the difficulty of actually obtaining one. An elephant was supposed to be autopsied around the early-[[16th century]].
In the [[medieval]] period, the elephant was at the same time a "familiar" shape from [[Roman Empire|Imperial Roman]] days, and an exotic luxury, given the difficulty of actually obtaining one. An elephant was supposed to be autopsied around the early-[[16th century]].


==Elephants in Heraldry===
==Elephants in Heraldry==
The [[heraldic]] elephant was uncommon in period, and was often depicted supporting a [[tower]] on its back.
The [[heraldic]] elephant was uncommon in period, and was often depicted supporting a [[tower]] on its back.
In [[SCA]] heraldry the presence or absence of the a tower does not constitute a [[point of difference]], even if specifically blazoned.
In [[SCA]] heraldry the presence or absence of the a tower does not constitute a [[point of difference]], even if specifically blazoned.
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In the [[Kingdom of Ealdormere]] and especially the [[Barony of Rising Waters]] depictions of elephants are associated with the late Baroness [[Fionnadh Averylle O'Connor of Maidenhead]], and tend not to be used on arms, out of respect for that lady.
In the [[Kingdom of Ealdormere]] and especially the [[Barony of Rising Waters]] depictions of elephants are associated with the late Baroness [[Fionnadh Averylle O'Connor of Maidenhead]], and tend not to be used on arms, out of respect for that lady.


[[category:animal]]
[[category:animal]] [[category:device heraldry]]

Latest revision as of 13:04, 1 January 2008

Elephant.jpg

The elephant is a large quadruped with a leathery hide and a prominent proboscis or trunk. It exists in two species, one in Africa, the other in Asia.

In the classical period the Asian elephant was known only locally; the African, however, achieved fame and prominence when the Cathaginian adventurer Hannibal obtained a supply (presumably from trans-Saharan sources) with which he mounted an invasion of Roman Spain, and then, via the Alps, of Italy. All but one of his elephants died, of swamp fever, before he attacked Rome, but the "mighty Roman Republic" had learned of elephants, and of the reticence of cavalry to approach them, and Roman generals thereafter lusted for elephant troops with which to cow their foes.

In the medieval period, the elephant was at the same time a "familiar" shape from Imperial Roman days, and an exotic luxury, given the difficulty of actually obtaining one. An elephant was supposed to be autopsied around the early-16th century.

Elephants in Heraldry

The heraldic elephant was uncommon in period, and was often depicted supporting a tower on its back. In SCA heraldry the presence or absence of the a tower does not constitute a point of difference, even if specifically blazoned.

In the Kingdom of Ealdormere and especially the Barony of Rising Waters depictions of elephants are associated with the late Baroness Fionnadh Averylle O'Connor of Maidenhead, and tend not to be used on arms, out of respect for that lady.