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Old 16th March 2007, 02:14 PM   #6
Mark
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Outstanding! Thank you so much, Alaung Hpaya. I have sent you a PM about dealers, though I expect John has already identified the ones I know about.

I have found non-dha weaponry to be very scarce. I have found one Thai long shield (dheng), and one Burmese spear. The spear, however, is not old and I have no idea whether it even is an accurate representation of an historical pattern. I think a major problem in locating armor is that padded cloth and leather, or no armor at all, where used. General Bandoola (the namesake of Maha Bandoola) wore a set of Indian composite chain and plate mail, but that was considered to be unusual. Why so few spears are around I cannot say, unless it is because they are less durable and for the most part lack historical or cultural significance, and are even more obsolete than the dha.

Bob Hudson, an Australian archeologist who excavates in Burma has told me that the Burmese are great recyclers, as well, which could also explain the scarcity of old metal objects that have out-lived their usefulness.
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