Thanks Jeff. I was expecting to see a squared off end or even a concave tip. I think there is a high likelihood that this sword was made for sale to the Kachin.
In the 1870s and 1880s there was a transition from a Naga style dao to a square-ended sword. Most of the latter were provided by Shan craftsmen. Scott suggested that this was an economic decision. The Shan and HuSa people are closely linked geographically and politically, so I am not surprised to see a blade of this style bearing a HuSa stamp and probably intended for the Kachin market.
Relationships between the Shan and Kachin have been close with respect to trade and at times politically. They are both ethnic minorities living largely in Burma (Myanmar). The relationship and cooperation between the Kachin and Shan was strong during WWII and both groups assisted in the fight against Japanese forces.
Your dha could be from the WWII period.
Regards, Ian
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