Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - Indian Ceremonial Brass/Bronze Spear head ??

Jim McDougall · 24th November 2007, 05:50 PM

This does seem to be a ceremonial or parade weapon, probably from southern India or quite possibly Sinhalan. I dont have the resource on Sinhalese weapons handy but I think there may be similar forms shown there:
"Sinhala Weapons and Armour" P.E.P. Deraniyagala
Journal of the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society
Vol. XXXV, #95, Part 3, Dec.1942

The banded shaft socket seems characteristic of these South Indian and Ceylonese polearms.

David's observation that the decoration on this piece is possibly the face of the tiger is very astute, though this does not seem to be the case here.The kirtimukha (stylized lion mask) is often employed as motif on arms and over temple gateways and the differentiation between tiger and lion seems in degree unclear in reviewing the complexities of stylized motif in Indian art.

While I cannot see the imagery of the peacock noted by Jens, and agree the casting seems crude, I agree that the motif may be that of the peacock feathers, presented symmetrically of course. Peacock feathers carried most important symbolism in Hindu art, and especially on weapons as the peacock represented Karttikeya, the god of war, and Son of Siva. The feathers were often used as an insignia of kingship, with deeper symbolism of immortality and power.

Best regards,
Jim

24th November 2007, 05:50 PM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	This does seem to be a ceremonial or parade weapon, probably from southern India or quite possibly Sinhalan. I dont have the resource on Sinhalese weapons handy but I think there may be similar forms shown there: "Sinhala Weapons and Armour" P.E.P. Deraniyagala Journal of the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society Vol. XXXV, #95, Part 3, Dec.1942 The banded shaft socket seems characteristic of these South Indian and Ceylonese polearms. David's observation that the decoration on this piece is possibly the face of the tiger is very astute, though this does not seem to be the case here.The kirtimukha (stylized lion mask) is often employed as motif on arms and over temple gateways and the differentiation between tiger and lion seems in degree unclear in reviewing the complexities of stylized motif in Indian art. While I cannot see the imagery of the peacock noted by Jens, and agree the casting seems crude, I agree that the motif may be that of the peacock feathers, presented symmetrically of course. Peacock feathers carried most important symbolism in Hindu art, and especially on weapons as the peacock represented Karttikeya, the god of war, and Son of Siva. The feathers were often used as an insignia of kingship, with deeper symbolism of immortality and power. Best regards, Jim