sword from the Kuki people, North India

[Sajen]

A collector friend got this "sword" by a German auction and asked me to post it in the hope to get further information about it and to see maybe other, similar examples in other collections. All comments and information are very welcome.

See here for Kuki people: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuki_people

[Ian]

Sajen,

Thanks for posting this interesting axe/sword attributed to the Kukis of N.E. India. This area has diverse ethnic groups and sword styles that are not well characterized. In many ways this sword/axe resembles the dao used by the Naga people, and might fall into the general category of "stick swords" or axes.

I'm unaware of any other example of this form that has been attributed to the Kuki. A quick internet search for "Kuki axe" generates only this example, and reference to it as "Kuki- or Shan-Naga" on the original auction site. We know how unreliable auction sites are with their attributions, so the Kuki designation for this one has to be considered less than definitive.

There are definitely some unusual features to this axe/sword, notably the metal shaft and decorative designs. It's possible it is a ceremonial piece, perhaps for ritual sacrifice of birds or small animals. The blade has a chisel-grind (based on the auction site pictures—see below), which would be consistent with other Naga blades.

Perhaps others here have seen further examples and can shed more light on this unusual item.


Further pictures from auction site:
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[Sajen]

Hi Ian,

Thank you for your comment! The owner asked me if I have seen a similar example before but I never had. We have thought of posting it here in the hope that one of our members has seen one or has a similar example in his collection. I don't know from where the auction house takes the description but I think most probably from the former owner. But he can be wrong for sure. So we hope that one or more members are able to help.

Regards,
Detlef

[JeffS]

There are some photos on the forum of Kuki axe/swords. These mostly have guards and interesting geometry. While they do use brass for the handles the style does not match with the floral motif on the handle of your example.

[Ian]

Jeff, I find those inscribed designs on the brass (?) are pretty non-specific as far as a possible origin of the item. What do you think? The Kuki brass hilts on examples shown elsewhere on this Forum are cast brass, but the topic of this thread has a handle wrapped in thin sheet metal (perhaps over a wooden core).

[Ian]

Originally Posted by JeffS

There are some photos on the forum of Kuki axe/swords. These mostly have guards and interesting geometry. While they do use brass for the handles the style does not match with the floral motif on the handle of your example.

Having owned several Kuki swords of the type shown elsewhere on this site (and referenced by Rawson in his book), I have to say these are non-functioning swords. The ones that I have handled had no sharpened edge. Perhaps they could be used as clubs. I have heard them referred to as purely ceremonial and used for dancing purposes. Whether they were once weapons, perhaps in the remote past, is an open question I think.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by JeffS

There are some photos on the forum of Kuki axe/swords. These mostly have guards and interesting geometry. While they do use brass for the handles the style does not match with the floral motif on the handle of your example.

Hello Jeff,

I think you speak about examples similar to examples I've attached photos from, taken from old threads which are attributed to the Kuki people. Agree, a completely different animal.

Regards,
Detlef

[Battara]

The designs on the hilt are Maranao okir. In fact, it looks reminiscent of septers used by that tribe.

I'll look for pics of such septers if I have them.

The blade however is a mystery to me. It could be cut down from an original.