Is this a THAI or BURMESE Shield?

[CharlesS]

I'd say that pic speaks volumes...any specific info on the photo??

[CharlesS]

Interesting...the swords the elephant handlers are carrying are not dha/daab(note the European style hilts), but the shield bearers do appear to be carrying them.

[Mark]

I think it is a Thai khen. Beautiful shield.

[Nathaniel]

Originally Posted by Mark

I think it is a Thai khen. Beautiful shield.

Or would it be classified as a daang?

From the DRI, I found these terms for shield:

dang: a large wooden shield used in Thailand, often elaborately painted (also dheng, dhung); see also daab dang.

daab dang (dheng): (Thai) a daab used one-handed with a large, rectangular shield ("dang/dheng").

khen: small, round hide or metal shield or buckler used in Thailand, often elaborately painted; see also daab khen.

daab khen: (Thai) a daab used one-handed with a buckler ("khen").


The term for shield I know in Thai is "Lo" so one to add to the list

[Mark]

Originally Posted by Nathaniel

Or would it be classified as a daang?

From the DRI, I found these terms for shield:

dang: a large wooden shield used in Thailand, often elaborately painted (also dheng, dhung); see also daab dang.

daab dang (dheng): (Thai) a daab used one-handed with a large, rectangular shield ("dang/dheng").

khen: small, round hide or metal shield or buckler used in Thailand, often elaborately painted; see also daab khen.

daab khen: (Thai) a daab used one-handed with a buckler ("khen").


The term for shield I know in Thai is "Lo" so one to add to the list

You are right, definitely a dheng. Got my wires crossed there (getting old is a drag).

[Andrew]

It's okay, Mark--that DRI guy is smart.

[Andrew]

Oh, btw, Charles--awesome sheild. Thanks for sharing it.

[Nathaniel]

Originally Posted by Mark

You are right, definitely a dheng. Got my wires crossed there (getting old is a drag).

Good thing you wrote it down! I know I would have to... Very thankful for the information you have up on DRI. Where did you get all the Thai terminology from? I know I was surprised to see kind of specific.

Like:

daab dang (dheng): (Thai) a daab used one-handed with a large, rectangular shield ("dang/dheng").

daab khen: (Thai) a daab used one-handed with a buckler ("khen").

daab lo: (Thai) daab used with a sheild.

I wonder how the swords might differ then? Depending on the type of shield used? I imagine this could make sense different sword and shield paired ideally for certain benefits/ conditions/ different branch/ type of soldier unit...it would be great to have pictures/ further information to identify what each would look like and why!

[PUFF]

daab dang (dheng):
daab khen:
daab lo:

These terms are more related to combat units in troop formation rather than a specific type of Dahb paired with a type of shield.

The terms are often found on old Siamese book of war.


These are examples of Dahb with different type of shields (photo taken from The National Museum).
Dahb with Khen


Dahb with Dunk


Round shields were used in this area in 12C.

[Nathaniel]

Originally Posted by CharlesS

Interesting...the swords the elephant handlers are carrying are not dha/daab(note the European style hilts), but the shield bearers do appear to be carrying them.

European style swords they call Krabi.

Note also that there are two different types of shields in the picture...one narrow one, among the larger rectangular ones.

[Nathaniel]

Thai shields & spears from a Thai palace...I think you will especial like these next photos, Charles...













There you go... Last one is pretty similar to the one you have...I see some Chinese influence.. Chinese coins in the middle bottom of the last photo.

As you can see your's Charles is in fantastic condition compared to the above.

[Nathaniel]

and also the forked item in his mouth...not really sure what it is...but I've seen something like it....

[CharlesS]

I think this just continues to confirm our original theory that the shield is Thai.

Thanks for the terrific pics!!

[DhaDha]

Congratulations. I've never seen one that well kept. Those are great pics Nathaniel, thanks for posting.

[Nathaniel]

Originally Posted by CharlesS

I'd say that pic speaks volumes...any specific info on the photo??

I can't remember the specifics of the photo...let me do some searching.