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Originally Posted by Al Shamal
Salam,
This is quite ornate! With brass dragon heads that either conseal or reveal a triangular edged blade, along with brass birds and small silver bells.
It is also vaguely similar to a balisong knife 
Could be from Moghul or even further a feild...
Comments on origin, symbols and age welcome |
Salaams Al Shimal~ I don't think this is for cutting nuts or some sort of butterfly knife defensive weapon.~ because it is not built like a nut cutter nor does it have a practical application as a weapon compared to the simple dagger. This is unwieldy, difficult and complicated to use. It is, however, constructed with deities, therefor, could be for ritual/healing purposes. (shamanic healing)
The blade appears as 3 triangles which is reminiscent of blade construction on the "Kila". See Wikipedia extract below . The handles are in Naga form (serpent). Danglers and traditional bird ornament suggest ritualistic use. The xxxxx marks on the item perhaps indicate a talismanic equation.
Salaams,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.
Note; From Wikipedia; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C4%ABla_(Buddhism)
Quote "The kīla is used as a ritual implement to signify stability on a prayer ground during ceremonies, and only those initiated in its use, or otherwise empowered, may wield it. The energy of the kīla is fierce, wrathful, piercing, affixing, transfixing. The kīla affixes the elemental process of 'Space' (Sanskrit: Ākāśa) to the Earth, thereby establishing an energetic continuum. The kīla, particularly those that are wooden are for shamanic healing, harmonizing and energy work and often have two nāgas[10] (Sanskrit for snake, serpent and/or dragon, also refers to a class of supernatural entities or deities) entwined on the blade, reminiscent of the Staff of Asclepius and the Caduceus of Hermes. Kīla often also bear the ashtamangala, swastika, sauwastika and/or other Himalayan, Tantric or Hindu iconography or motifs". Unquote.