Open-faced scabbards

[Philip]

Originally Posted by Ian

Hi Jeff,

Open-faced scabbards are very common in NE India/northern Burma/adjacent Yunnan areas. Long versions are seen in Assam, for example, and neighboring states as far north as Arunachal Pradesh. There are numerous tribal groups in these regions that use open-faced scabbards. You mention some on your list, but there are several others as well.

Ian

Bhutan lowlands (river valley) and the various mountain tribes of Taiwan as well.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Philip

Bhutan lowlands (river valley) and the various mountain tribes of Taiwan as well.

Yes, here a Paiwan and a Rukai sword from Taiwan with open-faced scabbards.

[JeffS]

Originally Posted by Sajen

Yes, here a Paiwan and a Rukai sword from Taiwan with open-faced scabbards.

I love the snake head profile on the top scabbard. As has been stated previously on this forum the snake could represent Deinagkistrodon Acutus, which has a common name of 100 Pace Viper. This snake has a very distinctive head profile with the narrowed nose which could be the inspiration for the Paiwan design . As an aside, Taiwan has exceptional snake diversity, we found 15 species and nearly 50 individuals in just a few days. Below is a picture of the 100 Pace Viper that we took.

[Gavin Nugent]

Error

[JeffS]

Trying out different display options, thought this was kind of fun.

[werecow]

Indeed! The other ones I know but what is the one at the top?

[JeffS]

Originally Posted by werecow

Indeed! The other ones I know but what is the one at the top?

Ifugao hinalung. Ifugao are of the Igorot group, northern Luzon.

[JeffS]

Achang Dah comes to mind Jeff, one from my collection in the link below.
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showpo...59&postcount=9
Gavin

Recycling an accidental double post with some more open faced content. This one was discussed on another thread on Achang Dha. It was suggested to be Achang made in Husa but exported.