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Originally Posted by laEspadaAncha
Hi Nathaniel,
While the decorative work does match that ID'd as Kachin in the thread to which you provided a link above, doesn't the blade in your opinion speak to a more likely Karen or Shan origin (as per Ian, Mark and Andrew's article written for the Macao exhibit catalog)? The spine is peaked at the forte, which as per the article is more common to Shan (style) blades. Also, wouldn't it seem odd to present a visiting foreign dignitary with a gift from an area relatively remote from the historical seat of Thai power and influence? Or is there a more prevalent sense of cross-cultural identity that blurs the lines between historically divergent ethnic groups and the stylistic differences as they appear in their respective traditional weaponry?  |
LaEspanaAncha,
I went back a reread the HOS article and looked at a few books and I am mistaken to say Kachin. Shan style does seem to be more likely to fit the bill!! So northern Thailand could be included since the Shan Burmese where frequently trading, fighting and living there as well. As you mentioned there are frequently a mixing of different groups and styles of weapons.
But as you say does seem rather curious that the king of Thailand would give a sword of northern style versus a more central Thai style which would be more of the norm for Bangkok. Or rather during the 1960's the swords more commonly given by HRM would be more of the European ceremonial military dress saber or dagger with the elephant head pommel. HRM during that time period would have been still active in handing out these sabers to all academy graduates of five branches of the Thai Military (Navy, Police, Air Force, Marine & Army). A Thai style European saber would be more of the common type sword I would think the King would given a visiting dignitary/ representative.