Fly Whisk, A Weapon of Colonization

 Fly whisks were often associated with religious ritual in both Hinduism and Buddhism, where they became associated with brushing away troublesome thoughts and earthly worries.

In Central Africa, flywhisks denoted status, rank, and function, rather than used to whisk away flies. Commonly associated with chiefs and titleholders, they were also owned by diviners and healers. Their purpose may also have been used to purify spaces, bless people, places, or things, and settle disputes.

Historian Eugene Rogan writes in his book "The Arabs: A History":

"...By 1827, relations between the Algerian dey, Husayn Pasha (r. 1818–1830), and the French consul, Pierre Deval, reached the breaking point after the French government failed to respond to the dey’s letters demanding repayment of the grain debt. In a private conversation with Deval, Husayn Pasha lost his temper and struck the French consul with his fly whisk..."

This incident allegedly was used as an excuse by the French for refusing to pay debt to Algeria , and instead invaded and colonized Algeria  until 1962!

 Two depictions of  Fly Whisk incident of 1827