A Massive Dha/Daab/Dah/Dao....But From Where???

Royston · 27th August 2016, 03:26 PM

Are you thinking of the Zhanmadao Charles ?

Great sword by the way.

Cheers
Roy

Ian · 28th August 2016, 05:21 AM

Great dha Charles. I've seen a few of these massive ones and they could have been used for a number of purposes, some of which have been mentioned here.

As far as where it may have come from, I think it is unlikely to be Burmese. While the arrangement of ferrules resembles Burmese style, the high ratio of length of hilt to length of blade is not a Burmese trait. More likely Northern Thai/Shan or thereabouts IMO. The rounded pommel is consistent with that area also rather than Burman work.

Ian

CharlesS · 28th August 2016, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

Great dha Charles. I've seen a few of these massive ones and they could have been used for a number of purposes, some of which have been mentioned here.

As far as where it may have come from, I think it is unlikely to be Burmese. While the arrangement of ferrules resembles Burmese style, the high ratio of length of hilt to length of blade is not a Burmese trait. More likely Northern Thai/Shan or thereabouts IMO. The rounded pommel is consistent with that area also rather than Burman work.

Ian

But what about the blade style Ian? I don't see it as very Thai.

Ian · 28th August 2016, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

But what about the blade style Ian? I don't see it as very Thai.

Charles, you are correct. It is not a very Thai style of tip to the blade. However, we do see this style along the Yunnan border, from northern Burma to Laos--I have one or two examples made by the HuSa people (ethnically close to the Shan and living in nearby Yunnan) that bear their distinctive mark. The HuSa sold their knives and swords widely (including into Assam, Bhutan and Tibet) so where these were used could be some distance from the site of manufacture.

The hilt:blade ratio is a better guide of where this sword was made IMO. Northern Burmese (Kachin) dha and those from the various Assam-area groups preserve a short hilt even on some very long blades. To illustrate this, please see the pics attached that show several dha from Assam/N. Burma/Yunnan areas. Despite considerable variation in the length of the blades, the hilts are fairly uniform in length.

Nathaniel has nailed it I think.

Ian.

CharlesS · 28th August 2016, 11:53 PM

Great input Ian...thanks!!!

Ian · 29th August 2016, 02:12 AM

Here is another one that was sold on the Oriental Arms site. A massive dha described by Artzi Yarom as follows:

"This Huge Dah sword is the biggest we have ever seen. Monstrous blade 38 inches long 3 inches wide, forged from good steel and with sharp edge. Wood handle bound with braided rattan ring 22 inches long 2 ½ inches in diameter. The wood scabbard is bound with rattan bands. Total length 64 inches compared to an average of 35 inches in a more common Dah swords. To demonstrate the dimensions we are showing this monster next to a “normal” 33 inches Dah sword. ... Several of the rattan bands are a later replacement. Very unusual. Probably Burmese, late 19 or early 20C. ceremonial sword."

This one might be Burmese. It is quite plain and obviously intended for serious use.

Sajen · 29th August 2016, 11:34 AM

Agree with Ian, Laos daab, Tai Lue, Dai? Very nice piece, congrats Charles!

Regards,
Detlef

CharlesS · 28th August 2016, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Royston

Are you thinking of the Zhanmadao Charles ?

Yes, Royston, that's it. Thanks!

VANDOO · 28th August 2016, 07:08 PM

WOW NOW THAT IS A DHA

I WOULD AGREE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN MADE TO SERVE SOME SPECIAL FUNCTION. THE LARGE SWORDS OR PANABAS LIKE SWORDS USED TO KILL CATTLE FOR SPECIAL CEREMONIES AND OCCASIONS IS A POSSIBILITY. THE CALVARY USE OR POSSIBLY FOR USE BY GOLIATH SIZED PALACE GUARDS TO IMPRESS THE MASSES.

CONGRATULATIONS THE DHAFIA RISES AGAIN.

Nathaniel · 28th August 2016, 09:38 PM

Lovely daab, Charles!

When I see the long handle swords like this I tend to think more of ethnic groups found in northern Burma, Northern Thailand, Southern Yunnan and Northern Laos.

I've seen some long swords which seemed more of parade or festival sword.

But there are long swords too which where part of central Thai and Lao military units. You can see those examples in the museums in Bangkok.

Thanks for sharing!

29th August 2016, 02:12 AM	#6
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,362	Here is another one that was sold on the Oriental Arms site. A massive dha described by Artzi Yarom as follows: "This Huge Dah sword is the biggest we have ever seen. Monstrous blade 38 inches long 3 inches wide, forged from good steel and with sharp edge. Wood handle bound with braided rattan ring 22 inches long 2 ½ inches in diameter. The wood scabbard is bound with rattan bands. Total length 64 inches compared to an average of 35 inches in a more common Dah swords. To demonstrate the dimensions we are showing this monster next to a “normal” 33 inches Dah sword. ... Several of the rattan bands are a later replacement. Very unusual. Probably Burmese, late 19 or early 20C. ceremonial sword." This one might be Burmese. It is quite plain and obviously intended for serious use. Attached Images

28th August 2016, 09:38 PM	#10
Nathaniel Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 865	Lovely daab, Charles! When I see the long handle swords like this I tend to think more of ethnic groups found in northern Burma, Northern Thailand, Southern Yunnan and Northern Laos. I've seen some long swords which seemed more of parade or festival sword. But there are long swords too which where part of central Thai and Lao military units. You can see those examples in the museums in Bangkok. Thanks for sharing! Last edited by Nathaniel; 28th August 2016 at 10:50 PM.

27th August 2016, 03:26 PM	#1
Royston Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Poole England Posts: 443	Are you thinking of the Zhanmadao Charles ? Great sword by the way. Cheers Roy

28th August 2016, 05:21 AM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,362	Great dha Charles. I've seen a few of these massive ones and they could have been used for a number of purposes, some of which have been mentioned here. As far as where it may have come from, I think it is unlikely to be Burmese. While the arrangement of ferrules resembles Burmese style, the high ratio of length of hilt to length of blade is not a Burmese trait. More likely Northern Thai/Shan or thereabouts IMO. The rounded pommel is consistent with that area also rather than Burman work. Ian

28th August 2016, 11:53 PM	#5
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Great input Ian...thanks!!!

29th August 2016, 11:34 AM	#7
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,165	Agree with Ian, Laos daab, Tai Lue, Dai? Very nice piece, congrats Charles! Regards, Detlef

28th August 2016, 07:08 PM	#9
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	WOW NOW THAT IS A DHA I WOULD AGREE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN MADE TO SERVE SOME SPECIAL FUNCTION. THE LARGE SWORDS OR PANABAS LIKE SWORDS USED TO KILL CATTLE FOR SPECIAL CEREMONIES AND OCCASIONS IS A POSSIBILITY. THE CALVARY USE OR POSSIBLY FOR USE BY GOLIATH SIZED PALACE GUARDS TO IMPRESS THE MASSES. CONGRATULATIONS THE DHAFIA RISES AGAIN.