Kachin/Naga Dao

Tim Simmons · 23rd September 2008, 06:54 PM

I also have one with part of a small cats jaw. Grrrrrrrr meiow

Left side of lower mandible to be precise. Correction upper right.

scratch · 25th September 2008, 04:54 AM

G'day

Flavio,Mark,Paolo,Bill and Tim,
Thank you for your Info, thoughts and sharing such wonderful examples!!!

Bill, is the symbol outlined in silver? does this motif appear in any of the textiles,crafts of region?
Were the smiths also shamens?
I am ignorant of Kachin culture, any good links please?
Cheers

Daniel

Mark · 25th September 2008, 06:37 PM

As far as I know, there were no shamanistic aspects to bladesmithing among the Kachin. It is not considerred to be a prestigeous occupation, except among the Duleng, who were (and I suppose may still be) famous for the quality of their blades. See, Leach, "Political Systems of Highland Burma," (1954), pp. 57 & 251. This seems to correlate with the social/political structure of the communities - in so-called gumsa societies, which emphasize heritary rule, blacksmiths are accorded little status, while in the more egalitarian or merit-based gumlao societies, like the Duleng Kachin, it is seen as a high-status profession. Shan society is predominantly gumsa, and also views blacksmithing as a low-class occupation (in Leach's words, "iron-working is a task for slaves"). p. 251. Perhaps the distinction comes from viewing a blacksmith as a provider of material to the ruling class, a "tool" as it were, as opposed to someone who provides a valuable service for the community. Artisans of all kinds were considered very valuable stategic assets throughout the history of the region, and after a war were regularly uprooted and deported to the victor's territory. Perhaps another reason an autocratic/heirarchical society might view them more as chattels than as valued members of the community.

23rd September 2008, 06:54 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,875	Pussycat dolls I also have one with part of a small cats jaw. Grrrrrrrr meiow Left side of lower mandible to be precise. Correction upper right. Last edited by Tim Simmons; 23rd September 2008 at 08:12 PM. Reason: spelling + correction

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25th September 2008, 04:54 AM	#2
scratch Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 96	G'day Flavio,Mark,Paolo,Bill and Tim, Thank you for your Info, thoughts and sharing such wonderful examples!!! Bill, is the symbol outlined in silver? does this motif appear in any of the textiles,crafts of region? Were the smiths also shamens? I am ignorant of Kachin culture, any good links please? Cheers Daniel

25th September 2008, 06:37 PM	#3
Mark Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 987	As far as I know, there were no shamanistic aspects to bladesmithing among the Kachin. It is not considerred to be a prestigeous occupation, except among the Duleng, who were (and I suppose may still be) famous for the quality of their blades. See, Leach, "Political Systems of Highland Burma," (1954), pp. 57 & 251. This seems to correlate with the social/political structure of the communities - in so-called gumsa societies, which emphasize heritary rule, blacksmiths are accorded little status, while in the more egalitarian or merit-based gumlao societies, like the Duleng Kachin, it is seen as a high-status profession. Shan society is predominantly gumsa, and also views blacksmithing as a low-class occupation (in Leach's words, "iron-working is a task for slaves"). p. 251. Perhaps the distinction comes from viewing a blacksmith as a provider of material to the ruling class, a "tool" as it were, as opposed to someone who provides a valuable service for the community. Artisans of all kinds were considered very valuable stategic assets throughout the history of the region, and after a war were regularly uprooted and deported to the victor's territory. Perhaps another reason an autocratic/heirarchical society might view them more as chattels than as valued members of the community.