Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Nathaniel · 1st March 2011, 04:24 AM

Hello Jose. Nice looking little dha-hmyaung you have there

This type of silver sword is a decorative type for ceremonials and festivals. You often see the men carrying the full length version during festival dances or along with specially occasions as a part of their traditional costume. The sword being a symbol for the male in Kachin society, maybe this little version was more likely for a Kachin boy?? This is not to say that Kachin women do not handle knives, but more utility/cooking knives...but maybe since the Kachin are known as fighters the women also carry a small knife as well? I know a Hmong friend who slept with a knife under her pillow because her grandmother had blessed it to protect her from bad dreams/ spirits!

Here are a few festival pictures I've found:

1st March 2011, 04:24 AM	#2
Nathaniel Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 865	Hello Jose. Nice looking little dha-hmyaung you have there This type of silver sword is a decorative type for ceremonials and festivals. You often see the men carrying the full length version during festival dances or along with specially occasions as a part of their traditional costume. The sword being a symbol for the male in Kachin society, maybe this little version was more likely for a Kachin boy?? This is not to say that Kachin women do not handle knives, but more utility/cooking knives...but maybe since the Kachin are known as fighters the women also carry a small knife as well? I know a Hmong friend who slept with a knife under her pillow because her grandmother had blessed it to protect her from bad dreams/ spirits! Here are a few festival pictures I've found: Last edited by Nathaniel; 1st March 2011 at 04:34 AM.