What Is This

archer · 9th October 2010, 03:01 AM

The Bichwa?? came in today overall length 16 inches blades about 7 1/2 inches.
This may end up being a "Fakirs' backscratcher". The cut of the blades and some of the design work may have a Moroccan influence say Koumayan like.
Blades have a brazed? spacer between them, while thin 1/16+ in.,feel functional.
I think I read that Bichwas were used for slashing and push type stabbing. It is
suited to right hand use drawing down from the left hip.
Any additional ideas? Thank you all for your help.

Steve

Nathaniel · 9th October 2010, 04:21 AM

Very interesting piece! Love the primitiveness, yet sophistication. Beautiful!

Ron Anderson · 9th October 2010, 04:31 AM

If it's a backscratcher, it's not a fakir's backscratcher. Certainly, holy men like fakir's wouldn't need to create a tool to scratch their backs. Fakir's horns were a way around them carrying weapons (a bit of a cop out, frankly, if you ask me). But the whole point of the holy life is to do away with this kinds of material necessities when one can.

Also, I can't see it being a backscratcher at all because it doesn't have a long handle for the purpose.

It is almost certainly a dagger.

Ron Anderson · 9th October 2010, 04:46 AM

However, I do see your point. It doesn't look all that functional as a stabbing implement.

I'd say it may be more decorative. But still a very nice thing. In my view.

Ron Anderson · 9th October 2010, 04:48 AM

Another thought, it may be a backscratcher of the erotic kind. The kind you use to scratch someone else's back.

Ron Anderson · 9th October 2010, 05:08 AM

I suspect I have the answer. It's a defensive weapon. It's not designed to kill, but to deter.

And the reason may be religious. In a land that believes in karma, killing is the ultimate no-no.

Maybe this is carried by people with religious convictions. It may be a woman's self-defense tool.

Not all weapons are designed to inflict fatality. I recently posted an aboriginal weapon that was only designed to wound (see Kangaroo Tooth Lacerator thread).

Also, if memory serves me well, I think there are a multitude of Indian weapons that are designed to deter rather than kill. I think of Tiger's Claws, in particular.

Perhaps others more knowledgeable in this area can expand.

That's what I think, anyway. It's a defensive weapon. Carried by people who don't want to kill potential attackers.

VANDOO · 9th October 2010, 05:47 AM

OOPS!!

THESE HORNS ARE NOT FROM A BLACKBUCK THEY COULD BE FROM ANOTHER IN THE ANTELOPE FAMILY BUT ARE MORE LIKELY FROM THE GAZELLE FAMILY. A POSSIBILITY IS THE INDIAN GAZELL (GAZELLA BENNETTII) BUT THERE ARE SEVERAL POSSIBILITYS THE BLACKBUCK HAS A SPIRAL HORN LIKE THE KUDU SO IS ELIMINATED. THE HORNS COULD HAVE COME FROM ANOTHER COUNTRY AND NOT INDIA AND COULD BE FROM THE MIDDLE EAST OR AFRICA. I HAVE SEEN SIMULAR METALWORK ON TIGER SKULL SMOKING SETS MADE IN INDIA IN THE PAST WHEN TIGERS WERE NOT PROTECTED.

9th October 2010, 03:01 AM	#1
archer Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 373	Still looking for more info The Bichwa?? came in today overall length 16 inches blades about 7 1/2 inches. This may end up being a "Fakirs' backscratcher". The cut of the blades and some of the design work may have a Moroccan influence say Koumayan like. Blades have a brazed? spacer between them, while thin 1/16+ in.,feel functional. I think I read that Bichwas were used for slashing and push type stabbing. It is suited to right hand use drawing down from the left hip. Any additional ideas? Thank you all for your help. Steve Attached Images

9th October 2010, 04:21 AM	#2
Nathaniel Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 865	Very interesting piece! Love the primitiveness, yet sophistication. Beautiful!

9th October 2010, 04:31 AM	#3
Ron Anderson Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 228	If it's a backscratcher, it's not a fakir's backscratcher. Certainly, holy men like fakir's wouldn't need to create a tool to scratch their backs. Fakir's horns were a way around them carrying weapons (a bit of a cop out, frankly, if you ask me). But the whole point of the holy life is to do away with this kinds of material necessities when one can. Also, I can't see it being a backscratcher at all because it doesn't have a long handle for the purpose. It is almost certainly a dagger.

9th October 2010, 04:46 AM	#4
Ron Anderson Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 228	However, I do see your point. It doesn't look all that functional as a stabbing implement. I'd say it may be more decorative. But still a very nice thing. In my view.

9th October 2010, 04:48 AM	#5
Ron Anderson Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 228	Another thought, it may be a backscratcher of the erotic kind. The kind you use to scratch someone else's back.

9th October 2010, 05:08 AM	#6
Ron Anderson Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 228	I suspect I have the answer. It's a defensive weapon. It's not designed to kill, but to deter. And the reason may be religious. In a land that believes in karma, killing is the ultimate no-no. Maybe this is carried by people with religious convictions. It may be a woman's self-defense tool. Not all weapons are designed to inflict fatality. I recently posted an aboriginal weapon that was only designed to wound (see Kangaroo Tooth Lacerator thread). Also, if memory serves me well, I think there are a multitude of Indian weapons that are designed to deter rather than kill. I think of Tiger's Claws, in particular. Perhaps others more knowledgeable in this area can expand. That's what I think, anyway. It's a defensive weapon. Carried by people who don't want to kill potential attackers.

9th October 2010, 05:47 AM	#7
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	OOPS!! THESE HORNS ARE NOT FROM A BLACKBUCK THEY COULD BE FROM ANOTHER IN THE ANTELOPE FAMILY BUT ARE MORE LIKELY FROM THE GAZELLE FAMILY. A POSSIBILITY IS THE INDIAN GAZELL (GAZELLA BENNETTII) BUT THERE ARE SEVERAL POSSIBILITYS THE BLACKBUCK HAS A SPIRAL HORN LIKE THE KUDU SO IS ELIMINATED. THE HORNS COULD HAVE COME FROM ANOTHER COUNTRY AND NOT INDIA AND COULD BE FROM THE MIDDLE EAST OR AFRICA. I HAVE SEEN SIMULAR METALWORK ON TIGER SKULL SMOKING SETS MADE IN INDIA IN THE PAST WHEN TIGERS WERE NOT PROTECTED.