Copper Bladed Mak

Mark · 18th April 2006, 06:25 PM

Dan Wilke, in his interview with Khun Nattapat (Director of the Research Center for the Thai Nation Museum, and senior weapons curator), learned that the mak is a Lop Buri period Thai weapon (11th-13th C). I have posted in a few places a picture of a section of a relief at Angkor Wat, in Cambodia, showing these being used as cavalry weapons. This relief is either 12th century, or 14th-15th century based on 12th century style books. In either case it is likely to have been made by Thai artists.

In form it seems to have been both a weapon and a tool, but clearly there are examples that were made exclusively for use as weapons.

Copper blade - never seen one, either. The existance of copper-bladed kiem shows the idea was in circulation at least in the Eastern region. I have to agree that a copper blade (no matter how hardened) would not stand up to serious wear as either weapon or tool, which makes it unlikely that this was intended for either. Unless it is really really ancient, as in Bronze Age, I can't see why someone would chose copper to make a "user" blade, since iron and/or steel were hardly rarities in the region. I vote for status symbol or ritual use (casting out demons, breaking spells, whatever).

In Burma the "Invulnerables," elite warriors believed to be magically protected from their enemies, inserted pieces of metal and precious stones under the skin for their talismanic protection (in addition to have special tattoos). Snodgrass, in his 1826 "Narrative of the Burmese War," writes

Quote:

They are distinguished by the short cut of their hair, and the peculiar manner in which they are tattooed, having the figures of elephants, tigers, and a great variety of ferocious animals indelibley, and even beautifully, marked upon their arms and legs; but to the soldier they were best known by having bits of gold, silver, and sometimes precious stones in their arms, probably introduced under the skin at an early age.

So, at least as far as was known to the British around the turn of the 19th century, gold and silver, but not copper or brass, were considered talismanic.
I would have to go back and check another source that discusses the use of talismans in Thailand to see if copper was one of them. The question of its significance had been discussed in connection with those little copper and brass inserts commonly seen on the spines of Thai daab & some Burmese dha, and as I recall the sources I have were not clear on copper in particular.

The brightness of the edge on this mak is interesting. It makes it look like it was used at least somewhat for cutting. What do you think about the added plate on the handle? Protection of the wood, or decoration?

Battara · 19th April 2006, 06:26 PM

Mark,

with this mak (the knife

) are the rings on it silver? This may add a dimension to the debate of ceremonial or not.

Mark · 19th April 2006, 11:02 PM

Hopefully Andrew can answer the question of the ring metal (I wish it were mine, but its his

).

I found the reference to use of talismans in Thailand (it's in a catalogue written by Khun Nattapat for a museum exhibition several years ago), but it doesn't specify anything about which particular metals were used as talismans. So, nothing new on what significance the copper might have.

Andrew · 20th April 2006, 02:20 AM

I'll take another look tomorrow, but I don't think the plate at the base of the blade and the bands are silver. They seem like more recent additions and do not reflect the same quality as the handle and blade. The base plate may be a repair, as damage to the wood handle in this area from the tang seems likely.

Andrew · 7th December 2006, 04:45 AM

Better a late response than never.

The plate and bands appear to be aluminum, and not original. I believe the plate was added to repair damage to the wood at the base of the blade, but haven't removed it to check.

The blade itself is heavy and substantial.

Tim Simmons · 7th December 2006, 04:38 PM

Judging from the picture this must be an object of some importance. The wood halft show age and care in manufacture. I would think most nonferrous weapons are pretty good to stab with. They will cut is true but I do not think one would cut with this mak, unless you really had to. If it was held as special in the original context, it may be quite old and repairs would be carried out as and when required. I would not fancy being bludgeoned with for sure.

Battara · 7th December 2006, 10:14 PM

Taking another look at this puppy, I would not say bronze or brass but copper -

and BTW - actually brass is stronger (and thus more brittle) than bronze. I'm still thinking this is ceremonial.

19th April 2006, 06:26 PM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,310	Mark, with this mak (the knife ) are the rings on it silver? This may add a dimension to the debate of ceremonial or not.

19th April 2006, 11:02 PM	#3
Mark Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 987	Hopefully Andrew can answer the question of the ring metal (I wish it were mine, but its his ). I found the reference to use of talismans in Thailand (it's in a catalogue written by Khun Nattapat for a museum exhibition several years ago), but it doesn't specify anything about which particular metals were used as talismans. So, nothing new on what significance the copper might have.

20th April 2006, 02:20 AM	#4
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	I'll take another look tomorrow, but I don't think the plate at the base of the blade and the bands are silver. They seem like more recent additions and do not reflect the same quality as the handle and blade. The base plate may be a repair, as damage to the wood handle in this area from the tang seems likely.

7th December 2006, 04:45 AM	#5
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	Better a late response than never. The plate and bands appear to be aluminum, and not original. I believe the plate was added to repair damage to the wood at the base of the blade, but haven't removed it to check. The blade itself is heavy and substantial.

7th December 2006, 04:38 PM	#6
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,875	Judging from the picture this must be an object of some importance. The wood halft show age and care in manufacture. I would think most nonferrous weapons are pretty good to stab with. They will cut is true but I do not think one would cut with this mak, unless you really had to. If it was held as special in the original context, it may be quite old and repairs would be carried out as and when required. I would not fancy being bludgeoned with for sure.

7th December 2006, 10:14 PM	#7
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,310	Taking another look at this puppy, I would not say bronze or brass but copper - and BTW - actually brass is stronger (and thus more brittle) than bronze. I'm still thinking this is ceremonial.