European Piha Kaetta
this is a very interesting piece. of exhibition size, and materials used mean its of decorative manafacture, but it has been created by three artisans, each as important as the other. the description, as stated (look at the size) -
cast in copper gilt, the blade and pistol grip hilt decorated with elaborate scrolls and a bands of foliate patterning, areas of scrolled openwork to the blade, the pommel terminating in a knop finial, inscriptions at grip and along the back edge of the blade. 44cm
INSCRIPTION
F. BARBEDIENNE (caster)
D. ATTARDOE fecit (maker)
C[onstant] SEVIN (1821-88) (designer/modeller) 1870
As indicated by the inscriptions, this fine dagger was the work of a three-man team, the caster, the maker and the designer. The design is based on a Sinhalese horn or ivory prototype called a Piha Kaetta characterised by a pistol-shaped hilt and the distinctive Sinhalese profuse scrolling decoration known as liya pata (vine leaf) (Archer 1987, p.45). This dagger like its Sri Lankan counterparts would have been used for ceremonial purposes only. This may well have been a diplomatic gift between French and Sri Lankan dignitaries.
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