sword from the Kuki people, North India

[JeffS]

There are some photos on the forum of Kuki axe/swords. These mostly have guards and interesting geometry. While they do use brass for the handles the style does not match with the floral motif on the handle of your example.

[Ian]

Jeff, I find those inscribed designs on the brass (?) are pretty non-specific as far as a possible origin of the item. What do you think? The Kuki brass hilts on examples shown elsewhere on this Forum are cast brass, but the topic of this thread has a handle wrapped in thin sheet metal (perhaps over a wooden core).

[Ian]

Originally Posted by JeffS

There are some photos on the forum of Kuki axe/swords. These mostly have guards and interesting geometry. While they do use brass for the handles the style does not match with the floral motif on the handle of your example.

Having owned several Kuki swords of the type shown elsewhere on this site (and referenced by Rawson in his book), I have to say these are non-functioning swords. The ones that I have handled had no sharpened edge. Perhaps they could be used as clubs. I have heard them referred to as purely ceremonial and used for dancing purposes. Whether they were once weapons, perhaps in the remote past, is an open question I think.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by JeffS

There are some photos on the forum of Kuki axe/swords. These mostly have guards and interesting geometry. While they do use brass for the handles the style does not match with the floral motif on the handle of your example.

Hello Jeff,

I think you speak about examples similar to examples I've attached photos from, taken from old threads which are attributed to the Kuki people. Agree, a completely different animal.

Regards,
Detlef

[Battara]

The designs on the hilt are Maranao okir. In fact, it looks reminiscent of septers used by that tribe.

I'll look for pics of such septers if I have them.

The blade however is a mystery to me. It could be cut down from an original.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Battara

The designs on the hilt are Maranao okir. In fact, it looks reminiscent of septers used by that tribe.

I'll look for pics of such septers if I have them.

The blade however is a mystery to me. It could be cut down from an original.

Hello Jose,

Most interesting! Looking forward to see pictures of such scepters.

Regards,
Detlef

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Battara

The designs on the hilt are Maranao okir. In fact, it looks reminiscent of septers used by that tribe.

I'll look for pics of such septers if I have them.

The blade however is a mystery to me. It could be cut down from an original.

Hello Jose,

Do you have found pictures of such scepters?

Regards,
Detlef

[Sajen]

Suspicions arose that the blade might have belonged to Maj-Biffy Snodgrass!
That's not the case, it belongs to a well-known collector from Germany.

[Battara]

Originally Posted by Sajen

Hello Jose,

Do you have found pictures of such scepters?

No I thought I had pictures but I was wrong. Every so often you see one sold on eBay. I wonder if these scepters are of a later make, like after WW2. Most are made of brass or copper.

The okir designs on this seem to be Maranao.