Ethnographic Arms & Armour - tourist dha ???

Ethnographic Arms & Armour (http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/index.php)

- Ethnographic Weapons (http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=2)

- - tourist dha ??? (http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=17464)

think you this DHA

is this a tourist piece or not?

IMHO No not tourist. These are often referred to as Temple Dha and come in varying lengths. The decoration and inscriptions usually, (but not always) relate to the life of Buddha. Check this link http://dharesearch.bowditch.us/ and go to "sword index" at bottom of home page. You will see similar there.
Stu

Quote:

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

thank kandjar1
looks like the number 0011
Thank you very much

My opinion considers both mentioned as post WWII touristic examples, examples likley made and sold to bring money in to temples and local communities.

Gavin

How do you define "tourist"?

IMHO, if objects are mass-produced , use cheap materials ( these Dhas use white-metal alloys and low-quality steel), standard and crudely-made decorations ( look at the hammered details on the scabbard), are new ( look at the wood), and are widely sold in souvenir shops, - then they are "tourist-grade".

The direction of profits, - temple, community center, private accounts, - is irrelevant. It is the object that is judged, not the intent of its sale.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

The link http://dharesearch.bowditch.us/ is no longer accessible because the domain has expired.

For Comparion, my "Temple" Dha (Burma)

Agreed these named "Temple" dhas are mid 20th Century. They are a variant of "Story" dhas, which also have images on the blade. Temple dhas are unique in that they show the life story of Buddha.

The evidence is anecdotal AFIK for the Temple Dha. Here is what I've heard:

It is said that the temple dha is sometimes used ritually in “nat” (spirit) festivals, such as the Festival of the Spirits in Taungbyon, Burma.
Others report that this style sword is used for executions in Burma.
Yet another collector tells of buying a temple dha from a British diplomatic couple who received it on their wedding day from their Burmese hosts.
There are still others that claim the swords are simply tourist items and have no special meaning or value.

Regardless, the objects have their own beauty. Mine is dutifully sharp, fascinating to look at and to hold, and if held to a standard of practicality, it would do ok (not great, but ok).

Tourist item? Maybe. As Burma/Myanmar opens to the world, perhaps we will learn more.

Best Regards,

Dave A.