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#1 |
Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 1,242
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I recently got this little jamadjar. The blade is 6 3/4" long with a nice rib and thickened tip. The grips are only 6 cm (2 1/4") accross and I can barely fit in three fingers. There has been ample discussion about the size of 19th century Indian hands being considerably smaller than 21st century European ones, but still this is TINY. Child's piece??
I find the stars on the "guard" interesting, also the fleur-de-lys type decoration. They look a bit crude. I don't recall seeing the stars before on forum examples. I cleaned the extensive rust with vinegar and I haven't seen any solid pattern pop up, so I assume this is mono steel. So any thoughts about this piece? |
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#2 |
(deceased)
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: East Coast USA
Posts: 3,191
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Seems like a boys katar to me.
Lew |
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#3 | |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,818
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The stars I know not but will ask when the monent presents it'self. regards Gav |
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#4 |
(deceased)
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: East Coast USA
Posts: 3,191
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Gav
I believe that symbol at the base of the katar is really a stylized lotus blossom. These flowers hold great significance in Hindu culture. |
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#5 | |
Arms Historian
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Route 66
Posts: 9,885
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Right on it Lew! That full version is termed the kundalini, and as you note prevalent in Hindu metaphysical symbolism. |
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#6 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,718
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Manolo, it is an interesting katar. The size indicates, most likely, that it was made for a young man. The stars are often seen in Indian weapons, they could be decoration or have some talismanic value no one seems to know. However the real interesting thing is the two connections between the two cross bars, try to search for katars with these two connections, and when you have found enough, and they all point in the same direction, you may have found the place of origin.
Lew, nice katar, in a good condition, and yes, the flower is a Lotus bud. All flowers had a different meaning to the Hindus, but the Lotus was the most important. |
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#7 |
Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 1,242
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Yes Jens, I caught on a couple of discussions about those cross bar connections. Lots of reading ahead...
Thanks Jim for the correct term! I do recall the significance of the lotus bloom, but it looked so much like a fleur-de-lys in this case. Emanuel |
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#8 |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,818
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Nice image and well pointed out Lew, it is one of the most ancient Asian Symbols, if only I had turned the page in the Flower section of my symbolism book. There is a great image I could add but it is too small. The caption reads " A third century Indian figurine represents a mother goddess, shown here squatting in childbirth, she has the Lotus, a symbol of fertility, for a head.
![]() ![]() Gav Last edited by freebooter; 28th May 2008 at 08:28 AM. |
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