Classic Ceylonese/Sinhalese Patisthanaya Polearm

[CharlesS]

The Sinhalese patisthanya is a polearm not often encountered, especially with a haft in this near excellent condition. This one is huge at 7ft.8in. with a head that is 15in. overall, with an 8.5in. double fullered blade. This one is rather plain. More decorative examples of these pole arm heads can be seen in Stone's Glossary....Figure 623. The haft here is magnificent, painted in red, gold, and black in circular and triangular motifs. These colors and patterns are generally associated with the city of Kandy.

While many of these are considered ceremonial, this one is fully combat capable with a thick blade and a socket firmly riveted onto the haft.

Note the stylized monster motifs at the bottom of the blade.

[Rick]

Absolutely beautiful Charles.
I wonder if patisthanya could be derived from the word partisan.

[Maurice]

Congratulations with your beautiful pole arm!

It reminded me at a weapon rack in the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, donated to J.C. Baud in 1834.

[asomotif]

Congratulations with your beautiful pole arm!

It reminded me at a weapon rack in the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, donated to J.C. Baud in 1834.

Wow, is this on display at the Rijksmuseum ?

[fernando]

Absolutely beautiful Charles.
I wonder if patisthanya could be derived from the word partisan.
Not only the word but the weapon itself; a subject often discussed ;) .

[Maurice]

Wow, is this on display at the Rijksmuseum ?

Yes it was two years ago. I don't know if it is still on display at the moment...

[Gustav]

It's still there.

[Gustav]

https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/collection/NG-BR-554

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

For the growing picture of Sri Lankan weapons please see http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=14998 on Forum. A lot of conjecture has developed around the theme of European involvement regarding the Partisan having been blended with the Sri Lankan spear; The Patisthanya.