Dha, Viet Nam, Laos, Hmong

Jim McDougall · 25th October 2020, 04:55 AM

This dha is believed to be a 'bring back' from Viet Nam in late 60s. While I am not very familiar with SE Asian weapons, I found this interesting. In research I found it was likely a Hmong weapon, and was able to talk with a retired officer who had been an advisor in Viet Nam in early 60s and confirmed that.

The Hmong were among tribes known as Montagnards who were allies to American forces there .

Later I reached a lady who was an anthropology professor at UCLA and had written a book on the Hmong. When I showed her photos of the dha she took it to tribal elders she had been in touch with.
They suggested this was likely of the Khmu people living in Laos, who lived alongside the Hmong in those areas, though Hmong are quite widespread.

I thought it was interesting they could be so sure of the identity of this, but given the compelling circumstances of these sources it seemed reliable.
These people are animists, and the marks may have some association to the rice goddess, and the curious broken loop meaning is unclear.

Just wanted to see if anybody who is more familiar with these might have comments and observations.

25th October 2020, 04:55 AM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,946	Dha, Viet Nam, Laos, Hmong This dha is believed to be a 'bring back' from Viet Nam in late 60s. While I am not very familiar with SE Asian weapons, I found this interesting. In research I found it was likely a Hmong weapon, and was able to talk with a retired officer who had been an advisor in Viet Nam in early 60s and confirmed that. The Hmong were among tribes known as Montagnards who were allies to American forces there . Later I reached a lady who was an anthropology professor at UCLA and had written a book on the Hmong. When I showed her photos of the dha she took it to tribal elders she had been in touch with. They suggested this was likely of the Khmu people living in Laos, who lived alongside the Hmong in those areas, though Hmong are quite widespread. I thought it was interesting they could be so sure of the identity of this, but given the compelling circumstances of these sources it seemed reliable. These people are animists, and the marks may have some association to the rice goddess, and the curious broken loop meaning is unclear. Just wanted to see if anybody who is more familiar with these might have comments and observations. Attached Images