[CharlesS]

I think these two Assam Naga swords are two of the least aesthetically pleasing in the world of ethnographic blades. Perhaps it is for that reason that I find them so interesting. Both blades are pictured below and both are generically referred to as "daos" by Rawsom in The Indian Sword. The top sword is also referenced by Egerton in his Indian and Oriental Arms and Armor.

Some details about each:

The top sword is sometimes referred to as a "two handed sword", but is just as comfortable by weight and length in one hand. Both sides of the blade are sharp, so it can be held with blade forward as in the photo of a Naga warrior, or blade curved back, a little like a Dyak parang pandit or parang latok. The sword is forged from one piece of steel with a separate guard decorated with hair tufts(supposedly for "kills", but doubtful...if every hair tuft on Naga weapons represented a "kill", there would be no one left in Assam). The hilt is comparatively unfinished and roughly forged. It handles awkwardly in the hand because of the flat sides and it seems like it would be very easy for a hard knock against it to be very painful for the holder or easily knocked out of his hand. Rawsom attributes these dao types to the Garo Nagas(page 58), while Egerton attributes them to the Angami Nagas(pages 84 & 90, plate 199).

Dimensions:
Overall length: 32in.
Blade length: 18.5in, with only the upper 14in. of both sides being sharpened.
Blade width: 1.75in.

The second sword may just as easily not be called a "sword" at all and seems to act more as a sharpened pick-axe. The blade here is only 12in. long with only the last 4 inches of underside being sharp along with the "pick". The thick six-sided forte give the short sword a good balance. The brass hilt holds the first three fingers with the thumb wrapped against the rattan and enclosed by the guard, with the 'pinky' finger wrapped around the pommel and protected by the open-ended element of the guard. This one is far more comfortable to hold than the first example. Rawsom attributes this type to the Garo Naga (page 58). Egerton makes no mention of this type at all in his text or drawings.

Dimensions:
Overall length: 16.5in.
Blade length: 12in.
Width of the swollen end of the blade: 2.5in.

Comments welcomed, and pics of additional examples welcomed as well!!!