Naga axe for comment

[imas560]

Hello all,
managed to acquire an axe. The auction description has
"An exceptional 19thc Naga headhunters dao axe - sword from Assam or upper Burma."
Any further info would be greatly appreciated.
The item is 30 inches / 76 cm in length.
I have attached some photos.
There is a shot of the end of the handle which has an odd ring.
thanks

[VANDOO]

IT LOOKS LIKE A GOOD OLD NAGA AX WITH GOOD PATINA AND WEAR. THE FIBER WRAP ON THE SHAFT LOOKS TO BE IN EXCELLENT SHAPE. IT MIGHT BE POSSIBLE TO PIN IT DOWN TO THE SPECIFIC TRIBE AND THE PATTERN IN THE FIBER WRAP MIGHT HELP. I DON'T HAVE THE KNOWLEGE OR REFRENCES TO DO IT BUT PERHAPS WE HAVE A NAGA COLLECTOR OUT THERE WHO COULD HELP? I HAVE NO IDEAS AS TO THE MEANING OF THE RING INDENTATION ,PROBABLY SOME DECORATION OR TAILSMAN NOW REMOVED.
A SEARCH OF THE FORUM ARCHIVES SHOULD BRING UP SOME INTERESTING EXAMPLES AND PICTURES.

[imas560]

thanks Vandoo

[Battara]

Now all you need is a Naga spear (wonder pieces)......

[asomotif]

And a shield :)

[russel]

Is that hilt Rhino?

[Gavin Nugent]

Is that hilt Rhino?

Bamboo

[Sajen]

Bamboo

Yes, the typical patinated cross grain from bamboo.

[weapons 27]

It is an axe in the region of assam, North of the India.


Here are a few axes of my collection

[Maurice]

Are there more naga axes with these kind of ratan knots, braided like on mandauscabbards from Borneo? (like IMAS560's one)

Thanks in advance,
Maurice