Dha for comment

[gp]

silly question perhaps but why are these weapons not pointed ?
From an attacking perspective you lose one functionality I would say..
and it would require more force to thrust it into an opponent's body...

[Ian]

Originally Posted by gp

silly question perhaps but why are these weapons not pointed ?
From an attacking perspective you lose one functionality I would say..
and it would require more force to thrust it into an opponent's body...

History and tradition. Many of these weapons were adapted from tools used mainly for chopping. The resulting swords were either a combination tool/weapon or weapons based on tools. Some Mainland SE Asian swords are indeed pointed, such as most Burmese and Shan dha, and Thai/Lao daab. These were used for both slashing and stabbing, although slashing was probably used more commonly against lightly armored opponents.

[JeffS]

Regarding the tool origin. I did some field work a few year back in northern Myanmar. The Kachin (Rowang) with us had small working daos (made from blanks purchased in Putao market). The lower corner of the squared tip provides a vertical aligned point that they frequently used to to "spear" and pick up chunks of firewood with an easy downward chopping motion. A useful feature for a general purpose tool.

[JeffS]

Any thoughts on what was set in the two round depressions on the scabbard foot? There is a gummy resin at the bottom that was likely the adhesive used. One of these has shiny foil-like residue stuck to the resin.
Incidentally I found another example of this scabbard style on Ashoka Arts website.

[SidJ]

Those depressions contained circular raised metal button like fixtures.