Drops of Dust

Just 8 moving parts, easily to strip and clean, amazingly accurate and with an alluring cold beauty – the Russian kalashnikov is an intriguing weapon. Better and more painfully known as the AK-47, the modern's world most deadly rifle turns 60 this year.

The Kalashnikov represents a great engineering feat, being both a machine with formidable accuracy, surprising simplicity, and above all, reliability beyond measure. Reputed to be able to withstand water, sand, fire and even snow, the extreme durability has rendered a favourite amongst many a guerrilla army. From a purely engineering perspective, it embodies the fulfillment of the ultimate design, presumably surpassing its original design brief by far. Combining stealth, mobility, durability and simplicity, it is a great machine.

Yet the rifle, so cherished and revered by battalions of people across the world, is responsible for death and destruction beyond many of our imaginations. Its 60 year long history is tainted with the blood and pain of millions. It has been instrumental in many a civil war, particularly across Africa. Bitterly ironical, is the simple fact that its outstanding performance has endeared it to many of the perpetrators of heinous crimes.

It is however, a strong and solemn symbol of struggle. So much so, that is appears on Mozambican national flag and even the flag of Hizbollah. Having become the weapon of choice for various liberation movements, it stands as a grim reminder of the pain endured in the quest of freedom.

The Kalashnikov enjoys almost legendary status in the minds of many, but is polluted with destruction. Its story is an intriguing one, and its sadness lies in the ultilisation of a marvelous machine in extreme brutality.

-inspired by “AK-47: the story of the peoples gun,” by michael hodges.