An Interesting Old Quality Daab/Dha with Lacquered Wooden Scabbard

[Nathaniel]

Originally Posted by Andrew

Hi Rick. Thai sword and knife blades come in a bewildering variety of shapes, most of which have unique names. This is not the most common form of tip but, likewise, far from the most uncommon.

I agree--it is similar to the square tips generally associated with "Kachin" dha, and even Naga sword dao. I believe the name for this tip style in Thai is Hua Bua Tad, but my notes are not well organized.

In any event, I reiterate my earlier comments and will add this--in my opinon, this is an important sword.

Andrew, I see that on http://cozun.com/Blades/ThaiSwordsAranyik/TS15-28.htm website they have Hua Bua Tad listed with the picture of the square/ flat tip....but this label is confusing...Hua = head, Bua = lotus & Tad (Dhat) = cut...I don't get why "Lotus" is in the label...it makes sense to describe a spear/ lotus bud tip, but doesn't describe a square/ flat tip.

[Battara]

I guess my question is different - mythologically speaking, who are the carved ivory figures?

[Nathaniel]

Originally Posted by Battara

I guess my question is different - mythologically speaking, who are the carved ivory figures?

I wonder if they are the evil army of demons who opposed Rama in the Ramakien??? Thai Yaksha similar to the temple guardian Andrew has for his Avatar? Or the monkey soldiers of Rama, like Hanuman???

[aiontay]

Just comment on the shape of the blade. It has been awhile since I was in Northern Thailand, but I think I remember seeing plenty of utility farm blades with a square "point" so this blade shape isn't unknown in Thailand, I would think.

On the other hand, it is important to keep in mind the northern Thailand, Chiang Mai in particular, was a vassal state to various Burmese kingdoms for many years at different points in history. In addition, as my Kachin friends pointed out more than once, the Burmese kings and Shan princes frequently hired Kachins and other tribal people as mercenaries, so it wouldn't impossible (although highly unlikely) that there might in fact be a Kachin influence on this blade.

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by aiontay

Just comment on the shape of the blade. It has been awhile since I was in Northern Thailand, but I think I remember seeing plenty of utility farm blades with a square "point" so this blade shape isn't unknown in Thailand, I would think.

On the other hand, it is important to keep in mind the northern Thailand, Chiang Mai in particular, was a vassal state to various Burmese kingdoms for many years at different points in history. In addition, as my Kachin friends pointed out more than once, the Burmese kings and Shan princes frequently hired Kachins and other tribal people as mercenaries, so it wouldn't impossible (although highly unlikely) that there might in fact be a Kachin influence on this blade.

I would not be surprised at all if there were a Kachin influence (or even origin, as trade blades are not uncommon) on this blade form. It may well have developed independently of the similarly-tipped Kachin and Naga weapons, but Occam's Razor, however....

[ArmsAndAntiques]

I thought it would be worthwhile to post an example which appeared on the market earlier this year and bears strong resemblance, if not identical workshop origin, with the original posted example.

This one purportedly belonged to the son of the Governor of Bangkok. Unfortunate about the loss of the lacquer and paint, but I would be curious to hear thoughts about such outstanding and uncommon examples of near identical design and style.

Were specific swords issued to specific units or bodyguards? Are there any 19th C. images showing units outfitted with particular sword styles?

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by Nathaniel

Andrew, I see that on http://cozun.com/Blades/ThaiSwordsAranyik/TS15-28.htm website they have Hua Bua Tad listed with the picture of the square/ flat tip....but this label is confusing...Hua = head, Bua = lotus & Tad (Dhat) = cut...I don't get why "Lotus" is in the label...it makes sense to describe a spear/ lotus bud tip, but doesn't describe a square/ flat tip.

Nathaniel, it's pure speculation on my part, but I read it as "cut lotus bud". In other words, a lotus with the bud cut off...

Cheers,
Andrew