Aka Peoples of Assam Wetzfa Sword

trenchwarfare · 27th January 2015, 04:49 PM

Well, after about four years of drooling, I finally got it! First time I saw this sword, it was well out of my price range. Sometimes, patience pays off. I was off a little on the drawing, and dimensions I posted earlier. Blade is 29" long, 1 13/16" wide, and hewer cut. So, I guess that makes it a Wetzfa? With the Wetzpa blade, being as long as 48". 38 3/4" overall. I don't know how old this is, but my gut tell me, that it has great age. Beautiful patina throughout. The exposed areas of wood, were rattan wrapped at one time. I think the scabbard bindings are replacements. Please tell me your opinions/observations on this piece.

Sajen · 27th January 2015, 05:25 PM

Wow, beautiful sword!

I go green with envy. I direct remember this sword from the Dha Research Archive: http://dharesearch.bowditch.us/C0047.htm
I hope that it is ok to post the pictures direct to this thread to see that it is the same family of swords. It is described as Kachin dha but with "?"

Regards,
Detlef

Tim Simmons · 27th January 2015, 05:50 PM

Very cool. Just love the simple but so clever construction. I do not really collect swords and knives any more, but like some Seme and other simple African items, I would not have been able to resist this sword.

trenchwarfare · 28th January 2015, 06:45 AM

Thanks guys. It seems that as before, there is little interest/knowledge in this type sword? As in all mysteries, and puzzles in life, there is a key. Once I find the key, the world will unfold regarding this sword. But for now, the box is locked, and the sword ain't talkin'.

DaveA · 28th January 2015, 08:32 AM

Thank you for posting this. I have a growing curiosity regarding the ethnic groups of Assam and their edged weapons. This sword is spectacular. The simplicity of design using bamboo is gorgeous to my eyes. What can you say about the origin of this type of sword?

Best,

Dave A.

trenchwarfare · 28th January 2015, 03:42 PM

Unfortunately Dave, I have nothing to add. What I know, has been posted on this forum. Other than, I absolutely love the organic simplicity. The first time I saw it...wow. I think that it is a very early form of Dha, and is quite old. The region of Assam, is a melting pot of ethnicities, so putting a particular groups name to it is problematic. The fact that only one is pictured in the posted link, makes me think they are rare. Hopefully, someone will shed some light.

27th January 2015, 04:49 PM	#1
trenchwarfare Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 385	Aka Peoples of Assam Wetzfa Sword Well, after about four years of drooling, I finally got it! First time I saw this sword, it was well out of my price range. Sometimes, patience pays off. I was off a little on the drawing, and dimensions I posted earlier. Blade is 29" long, 1 13/16" wide, and hewer cut. So, I guess that makes it a Wetzfa? With the Wetzpa blade, being as long as 48". 38 3/4" overall. I don't know how old this is, but my gut tell me, that it has great age. Beautiful patina throughout. The exposed areas of wood, were rattan wrapped at one time. I think the scabbard bindings are replacements. Please tell me your opinions/observations on this piece. Attached Images

27th January 2015, 05:25 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,779	Wow, beautiful sword! I go green with envy. I direct remember this sword from the Dha Research Archive: http://dharesearch.bowditch.us/C0047.htm I hope that it is ok to post the pictures direct to this thread to see that it is the same family of swords. It is described as Kachin dha but with "?" Regards, Detlef Attached Images

28th January 2015, 08:32 AM	#5
DaveA Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 413	Assam Thank you for posting this. I have a growing curiosity regarding the ethnic groups of Assam and their edged weapons. This sword is spectacular. The simplicity of design using bamboo is gorgeous to my eyes. What can you say about the origin of this type of sword? Best, Dave A.

27th January 2015, 05:50 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	Very cool. Just love the simple but so clever construction. I do not really collect swords and knives any more, but like some Seme and other simple African items, I would not have been able to resist this sword.

28th January 2015, 06:45 AM	#4
trenchwarfare Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 385	Thanks guys. It seems that as before, there is little interest/knowledge in this type sword? As in all mysteries, and puzzles in life, there is a key. Once I find the key, the world will unfold regarding this sword. But for now, the box is locked, and the sword ain't talkin'.

28th January 2015, 03:42 PM	#6
trenchwarfare Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 385	Unfortunately Dave, I have nothing to add. What I know, has been posted on this forum. Other than, I absolutely love the organic simplicity. The first time I saw it...wow. I think that it is a very early form of Dha, and is quite old. The region of Assam, is a melting pot of ethnicities, so putting a particular groups name to it is problematic. The fact that only one is pictured in the posted link, makes me think they are rare. Hopefully, someone will shed some light.