Chillanum for comment
 

As usual, i found another odd one a very small Chillanum or Khapwa perhaps.
This one is a scant 9 inches overall. The pommel was perhaps bent out to
acomodate a growing hand? While all steel it is comprised of three separate
pieces. The hilt is split, the blade inserted and then the guard was swedged on.
The larger one is all steel but in two pieces.
There are bits of baby blue paint or enamel no the blade and elsewhere amongst
the pits and rust. any information will be helpful. Thanks, Steve

Hi Steve,

Another good find! You're doing well, these aren't common.
I'm suprised that there aren't any replies, so I'll come in :)

The construction of these is very much like Katars.
In fact the grip is reminiscent of a Katar grip-bar.
The one I've pictured has some striking similarites. Central ribbed blade with incised simple pattern at top, inserted into steel hilt. The blade on the Katar is wootz, not the finest though.
It makes me wonder if the occasional curved Katars have Chillanum blades?

response
 

Hi, Atlantia, This one isn't anything for looks and posted mainly to show there are no norms when it comes to these weapons.
Your Katar in wootz is really nice. You can't go wrong with old quality steel.
The design pattern is right on and at times this can help pinpoint the area it came from down to the same workmanship.
Sometimes you can see how they evolved, the old stone carvings, etc.
Steve

CONGRATS! A VERY NICE PAIR AND IT SHOWS A DIFFERENCE IN QUALITY OF WORKMANSHIP AS WELL AS SIZE. ONE BEING LESS ORNATE AND THUS PERHAPS LESS EXPENSIVE?? WHICH ONE LOOKS TO BE THE OLDEST TO YOU?
ONE THING THAT STRIKES ME ABOUT THESE TWO IS THE HANDLES BOTH OF THEM CAN BE LOOKED AT AS PERHAPS SHAPED LIKE A MAN IN AN ABSTRACT WAY. THE POMMEL AS HEAD THE TOP TWO GAURDS AS ARMS AND THE LOWER TWO AS THE LEGS. THIS IS SEEN IN SOME ANCIENT DAGGERS AND SOME SWORDS FROM DIFFERENT CULTURES. PERHAPS SOMETHING HAS BEEN WRITTEN IN SOME REFRENCE?

Response
 

Vandoo, They both probably can be attributed to Arkbars reign late 16th to early 17th century. I really don't know ages. The smaller was more for utility. The larger with the knuckle guard was more prized and probably better cared for over the ages. Gene had mentioned the design on the fortes of his katar and the larger Chillanum type. I have read that they represent A lotus flower, as do the Chillanum pommels. The wings being the petals and the finial a bud. They do look weird at first glance. Here's a link with more photos and info:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ghlight=bichwa

Steve