Sri-Lankan (Ceylon) Knife

Bob A · 16th May 2016, 11:15 PM

While I can't contribute any real information regarding the use of these knives, they are attractive examples of the metal-worker's art. The OP is the first time I've seen a sheath for one of these, and it too is an attractive piece of work. Given the general level of artisanal talent involved, I can easily see them as badge-of-rank items. What little I've read of them suggests the blade steel might not rise to the same level of quality as the rest of the implement, but that is merely hearsay (read-say?).

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 18th May 2016, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob A

While I can't contribute any real information regarding the use of these knives, they are attractive examples of the metal-worker's art. The OP is the first time I've seen a sheath for one of these, and it too is an attractive piece of work. Given the general level of artisanal talent involved, I can easily see them as badge-of-rank items. What little I've read of them suggests the blade steel might not rise to the same level of quality as the rest of the implement, but that is merely hearsay (read-say?).

The answer is in there somewhere ...I believe as part of the ceremonial and part the badge of office according to reports I have seen in such publications as seen at https://www.google.com/search?q=Piha...r-2aq1t1cfM%3A and particularly at michaelbackmans antiques pages.

See also http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O4...fe-and-sheath/

See also http://www.michaelbackmanltd.com/3133.html

The question is..were these ever fighting knives... ?

A. G. Maisey · 18th May 2016, 09:30 AM

I reckon if I were a scribe in old Sri Lanka, and some careless person damaged the lontar leaves I'd just spent a couple of months writing on, I'd cut him into tiny pieces with whatever was close at hand. If that was my piha kaetta, so be it.

Ian · 18th May 2016, 05:48 PM

I have often wondered about a mainland SE Asian influence in these knives. The shape of the blade on PK knives is reminiscent of Burmese and Thai knives that date back many centuries, and the inlaid silver designs with curly-queues and a koftgari technique are similar to traditional Burmese designs. Certainly, trade existed between the Lankans and the Burmese, and probably the Thai as well. Who influenced whom is open to question.

As far as being a weapon or ceremonial object, there are certainly lavish examples for ostentatious wear, but the blades are often quite heavy, sharpened and definitely functional--they could certainly be used as a weapon if needed.

Regards,

Ian.

ariel · 18th May 2016, 06:56 PM

Ian,
My ( very superficial) understanding was that Sri Lanka was a relatively peaceful society comparing even with contemporaneous India. Drunken brawls aside, there were not many opportunities to brandish weapons there.

Am I incorrect?

Rick · 18th May 2016, 11:44 PM

There was a nice resource site at this addy,
http://www.pihakaetta.com/
But it has departed the server it seems.

Miguel · 21st May 2016, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

There was a nice resource site at this addy,
http://www.pihakaetta.com/
But it has departed the server it seems.

Hi Rick,

Thanks but I found that out to. here are some interesting old threads particularly one from Dereck who posted an old paper on them but it never mentioned their use as a weapon either

Regards
Miguel

Ian · 21st May 2016, 08:01 PM

Ariel:

Sri Lanka has been a relatively peaceful place at various times in its history, although not so much in recent times with the activities of the Tamil Tiger separatists.

I don't know if the PK was used as a weapon, but it may have served that purpose.

Ian.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ariel

Ian,
My ( very superficial) understanding was that Sri Lanka was a relatively peaceful society comparing even with contemporaneous India. Drunken brawls aside, there were not many opportunities to brandish weapons there.

Am I incorrect?

ariel · 21st May 2016, 10:51 PM

Since we were discussing old daggers, I was referring to old times. Tamil Tigers were into AK-47: no elaborate metal work or ivory for them :-)))
And, having worked for a while in a Belarussian village, I can attest to the fact that kitchen or homemade knives as well as broken bottles were the most popular instruments of in vivo anatomical exercises. Firewood was a distant third.

Fond memories........

16th May 2016, 11:15 PM	#1
Bob A Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 436	While I can't contribute any real information regarding the use of these knives, they are attractive examples of the metal-worker's art. The OP is the first time I've seen a sheath for one of these, and it too is an attractive piece of work. Given the general level of artisanal talent involved, I can easily see them as badge-of-rank items. What little I've read of them suggests the blade steel might not rise to the same level of quality as the rest of the implement, but that is merely hearsay (read-say?).

18th May 2016, 09:30 AM	#3
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,019	I reckon if I were a scribe in old Sri Lanka, and some careless person damaged the lontar leaves I'd just spent a couple of months writing on, I'd cut him into tiny pieces with whatever was close at hand. If that was my piha kaetta, so be it.

18th May 2016, 05:48 PM	#4
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,399	I have often wondered about a mainland SE Asian influence in these knives. The shape of the blade on PK knives is reminiscent of Burmese and Thai knives that date back many centuries, and the inlaid silver designs with curly-queues and a koftgari technique are similar to traditional Burmese designs. Certainly, trade existed between the Lankans and the Burmese, and probably the Thai as well. Who influenced whom is open to question. As far as being a weapon or ceremonial object, there are certainly lavish examples for ostentatious wear, but the blades are often quite heavy, sharpened and definitely functional--they could certainly be used as a weapon if needed. Regards, Ian.

18th May 2016, 06:56 PM	#5
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Ian, My ( very superficial) understanding was that Sri Lanka was a relatively peaceful society comparing even with contemporaneous India. Drunken brawls aside, there were not many opportunities to brandish weapons there. Am I incorrect?

18th May 2016, 11:44 PM	#6
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	There was a nice resource site at this addy, http://www.pihakaetta.com/ But it has departed the server it seems.

21st May 2016, 10:51 PM	#9
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Since we were discussing old daggers, I was referring to old times. Tamil Tigers were into AK-47: no elaborate metal work or ivory for them :-))) And, having worked for a while in a Belarussian village, I can attest to the fact that kitchen or homemade knives as well as broken bottles were the most popular instruments of in vivo anatomical exercises. Firewood was a distant third. Fond memories........