Classic Ceylonese/Sinhalese Patisthanaya Polearm

CharlesS · 19th October 2016, 04:55 PM

The Sinhalese patisthanya is a polearm not often encountered, especially with a haft in this near excellent condition. This one is huge at 7ft.8in. with a head that is 15in. overall, with an 8.5in. double fullered blade. This one is rather plain. More decorative examples of these pole arm heads can be seen in Stone's Glossary....Figure 623. The haft here is magnificent, painted in red, gold, and black in circular and triangular motifs. These colors and patterns are generally associated with the city of Kandy.

While many of these are considered ceremonial, this one is fully combat capable with a thick blade and a socket firmly riveted onto the haft.

Note the stylized monster motifs at the bottom of the blade.

Rick · 19th October 2016, 05:56 PM

Absolutely beautiful Charles.
I wonder if patisthanya could be derived from the word partisan.

Maurice · 19th October 2016, 07:36 PM

Congratulations with your beautiful pole arm!

It reminded me at a weapon rack in the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, donated to J.C. Baud in 1834.

asomotif · 19th October 2016, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maurice

Congratulations with your beautiful pole arm!

It reminded me at a weapon rack in the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, donated to J.C. Baud in 1834.

Wow, is this on display at the Rijksmuseum ?

fernando · 19th October 2016, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

Absolutely beautiful Charles.
I wonder if patisthanya could be derived from the word partisan.

Not only the word but the weapon itself; a subject often discussed

.

Maurice · 20th October 2016, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asomotif

Wow, is this on display at the Rijksmuseum ?

Yes it was two years ago. I don't know if it is still on display at the moment...

Gustav · 20th October 2016, 10:15 AM

It's still there.

Gustav · 20th October 2016, 11:25 AM

https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/collection/NG-BR-554

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 20th October 2016, 05:04 PM

For the growing picture of Sri Lankan weapons please see http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=14998 on Forum. A lot of conjecture has developed around the theme of European involvement regarding the Partisan having been blended with the Sri Lankan spear; The Patisthanya.

19th October 2016, 04:55 PM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	Classic Ceylonese/Sinhalese Patisthanaya Polearm The Sinhalese patisthanya is a polearm not often encountered, especially with a haft in this near excellent condition. This one is huge at 7ft.8in. with a head that is 15in. overall, with an 8.5in. double fullered blade. This one is rather plain. More decorative examples of these pole arm heads can be seen in Stone's Glossary....Figure 623. The haft here is magnificent, painted in red, gold, and black in circular and triangular motifs. These colors and patterns are generally associated with the city of Kandy. While many of these are considered ceremonial, this one is fully combat capable with a thick blade and a socket firmly riveted onto the haft. Note the stylized monster motifs at the bottom of the blade. Attached Images

19th October 2016, 07:36 PM	#3
Maurice Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,324	Congratulations with your beautiful pole arm! It reminded me at a weapon rack in the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, donated to J.C. Baud in 1834. Attached Images

19th October 2016, 05:56 PM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,262	Absolutely beautiful Charles. I wonder if patisthanya could be derived from the word partisan.

20th October 2016, 10:15 AM	#7
Gustav Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,196	It's still there.

20th October 2016, 11:25 AM	#8
Gustav Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,196	https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/collection/NG-BR-554

20th October 2016, 05:04 PM	#9
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	For the growing picture of Sri Lankan weapons please see http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=14998 on Forum. A lot of conjecture has developed around the theme of European involvement regarding the Partisan having been blended with the Sri Lankan spear; The Patisthanya.