Large Naga dao
 

Poor pictures since I did not have much time but thought this may interest some of you. I'm just returning from a trip in central Nagaland and spent the last week with the Sumi Naga there. Most dao used there today are mass produced from somewhere in India and imported to the markets or symbolic facsimile with bright unsharpened blade and plastic red and black "hair" ornamentation. This one, however, belongs to the father of the owner of the homestay I was based out of. Design wise the wood core inserted within the one piece wrapped steel handle and blade is reminiscent of construction of Kalyo Kengyu (Assam) dao (which are essentially axe in form) including with chiseled patterns on handle and forte. I would estimate overall length to me about 100 cm. Unfortunately I failed to take the full blade picture on the other side but you can see the pronounced trapezoid shape of the other side starting in the top picture.The reverse was mostly flat with slight beveling towards edges.

Thanks Jeff. Interesting dao and decoration. Do you think it is Sami?

Hi Ian - Confirmed Sami for two generations but I suppose it could have originated with another group. I will have opportunity for further discussions with the owner and will update the thread ifnI get any more details.

Look like one of the two types of socketed axe from the Kalyo Kengyu tribe, you completely right. But indeed, this looks more massive than the regular exemples

Thanks JBG. Nice examples!

Jeff, when you next have a chance, could you ask if this was intended to be used as a weapon or tool or both. The construction looks very "basic" and would push me towards regarding it as primarily a tool.

Hi Ian. I hope to discuss further with him when I have a chance but I'm not sure about sensitivities regarding acknowledging a weapon. However, I think it is clearly a weapon due to the massive size which is likely too unwieldy as a field tool, lack of wear from regular use, and ornamentation. The blade geometry (assymetric grind with pronounced bevels) reminded me of Borneo mandau, well suited for parting heads from shoulders. Below is an example tool daos. I've also attached my example of a old short bladed dao (purchased from a dealer) similar to JBG examples.