Makara

[JamesKelly]

As part of going every which way at once in this new hobby (surely not obsession . . .) of mine I got this small Indian kard recently. I am a metallurgist, and wanted a good example of wootz (a.k.a. watered) steel. This one has the Mohamed's Ladder pattern. Well, since the hilt includes a Hindu Makara I suppose the Muslim reference is inappropriate. Decided Makara makes a fine Avatar. I have Manfred Sachse's 3rd edition Damascus Steel (in English) & need to study a bit. Am so pleased to have a fine example of this steel that has been legendary for two millennia.
Anyway, this knife is about 250mm overall, with a 160mm blade. Bought this and an Indian made Arab style Jambiya from a dealer in England, with a Tulwar on the way from the same gentleman. Time to slow down, I reckon. Although I hope to have a Sudanese arm dagger from a German auction house, if I can figure out their incomprehensible (to me) system of how one pays the bill.
All these will be mixed in my den with American & English pocket pistols, sporting rifles and muskets, flint & percussion. Space is a problem - I am Wall Challenged (American joke).

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by JamesKelly

As part of going every which way at once in this new hobby (surely not obsession . . .) of mine I got this small Indian kard recently. I am a metallurgist, and wanted a good example of wootz (a.k.a. watered) steel. This one has the Mohamed's Ladder pattern. Well, since the hilt includes a Hindu Makara I suppose the Muslim reference is inappropriate. Decided Makara makes a fine Avatar. I have Manfred Sachse's 3rd edition Damascus Steel (in English) & need to study a bit. Am so pleased to have a fine example of this steel that has been legendary for two millennia.
Anyway, this knife is about 250mm overall, with a 160mm blade. Bought this and an Indian made Arab style Jambiya from a dealer in England, with a Tulwar on the way from the same gentleman. Time to slow down, I reckon. Although I hope to have a Sudanese arm dagger from a German auction house, if I can figure out their incomprehensible (to me) system of how one pays the bill.
All these will be mixed in my den with American & English pocket pistols, sporting rifles and muskets, flint & percussion. Space is a problem - I am Wall Challenged (American joke).

Salaams JamesKelly ~ I dont think they are Makara but I do suspect they are Nagas.... equally impressive!

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[JamesKelly]

With respect, the snout, ears, fin and all those little teeth imply to me, in my Sophomoric view, Makara.
Kind of reminds me of the Sea Serpent with whom Donald Duck (Walt Disney) had to contend in a little 1946 cartoon book of mine. Yes, I use only the most sophisticated references.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by JamesKelly

With respect, the snout, ears, fin and all those little teeth imply to me, in my Sophomoric view, Makara.
Kind of reminds me of the Sea Serpent with whom Donald Duck (Walt Disney) had to contend in a little 1946 cartoon book of mine. Yes, I use only the most sophisticated references.

Salaams JamesKelly Haha! I like your references... As you probably know Makara spew (nicely) Nagas all about them... Take for example the Makara displayed at Hindu Shrines invariably with Nagas at the base..Anyway here it is a Naga or a Makara proudly appearing as a dagger hilt.
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Gavin Nugent]

Hi James,

I too think it is a stylised Makara...I have one here in ivory that almost looks like a dog!

I do not see any ladders in this blade. Do you have better images?

Gavin

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Salaams all . There is another school of thought on this zoomorphic style that places the animal form as an antelope. I have a picture waiting to display showing such an antelope being attacked by a tiger ... the entire display being the hilt of an Indian sword...
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.