Nagaland or Assam ?

Ian · 3rd February 2017, 05:16 PM

Colin:

This simple style of wrapping with broad strips of rattan/bamboo is seen on some Naga items that appear to be more working tools than weapons (see here for a few examples). The better quality dao, which this one seems to be, usually have smaller strips of rattan/bamboo that are woven in a more intricate fashion than the wrap on this one.

Your dao also seems bigger than the usual Naga dao, which you note. I have not seen one exactly like it before. Your estimate of Assam or neighboring tribal areas of NE India does seem a likely origin.

Gavin has some experience with dao from these areas and may have seen a similar example.

Thanks for posting this unusual sword.

Ian.

BANDOOK · 4th February 2017, 07:49 AM

HI COLLIN
THE RATTAN WORK ON YOUR DAO IS COMMON TO ALL TRIBES OF NORTH EAST INDIA,NAGALAND,ARUNACHAL PRADESH ,ASSAM,MIZORAM,MANIPUR AND MEGHALAYA.YOUR EXAMPLE LOOKS LIKE ITS FROM ASSAM OR EVER FURTHER EAST INTO BURMA.
HERE IS MINE FROM THE KONYAL TRIBE OF NAGALAND.

4th February 2017, 07:49 AM	#2
BANDOOK Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: AUCKLAND,NEW ZEALAND Posts: 627	HI COLLIN THE RATTAN WORK ON YOUR DAO IS COMMON TO ALL TRIBES OF NORTH EAST INDIA,NAGALAND,ARUNACHAL PRADESH ,ASSAM,MIZORAM,MANIPUR AND MEGHALAYA.YOUR EXAMPLE LOOKS LIKE ITS FROM ASSAM OR EVER FURTHER EAST INTO BURMA. HERE IS MINE FROM THE KONYAL TRIBE OF NAGALAND. Attached Images

3rd February 2017, 05:16 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,523	Colin: This simple style of wrapping with broad strips of rattan/bamboo is seen on some Naga items that appear to be more working tools than weapons (see here for a few examples). The better quality dao, which this one seems to be, usually have smaller strips of rattan/bamboo that are woven in a more intricate fashion than the wrap on this one. Your dao also seems bigger than the usual Naga dao, which you note. I have not seen one exactly like it before. Your estimate of Assam or neighboring tribal areas of NE India does seem a likely origin. Gavin has some experience with dao from these areas and may have seen a similar example. Thanks for posting this unusual sword. Ian.