8th May 2018, 05:01 PM | #1 |
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Kerala knife
I recently came across an interesting knife on a French auction site. It was titled "Arme courte - Wedong Asie du Sud, probablement…" but it is not a wedung (unless "wedong" has another meaning in French). The auction experts were obviously unsure ("probablement"). Southern Asia yes, but I think it is a knife from Kerala based on the shape of the knife, the hilt, and the similarity of the scabbard to one of mine from Kerala that was a deaccessioned museum piece.
I would like to hear from some of our India experts if they agree that this knife is from Kerala. Opinions encouraged Ian. Attachments: Mystery knife and one from Kerala . |
8th May 2018, 07:21 PM | #2 |
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Definitely Kerala IMHO and a fine example of this weapon, beautiful silver work on the scabbard. See Tirri Islamic Weapons, page 305, for two examples but not as fine as the two you have posted.
Regards Miguel |
8th May 2018, 09:31 PM | #3 |
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Yes it is a Kerala knife. I find them interesting, but I dont have any myself.
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8th May 2018, 09:38 PM | #4 |
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Hello Ian,
I'm with you - definitely not SE Asia. However, there seems to be some discrepancy/disagreement as to where these knives originate from within India: Kerala is usually given as default but some appear to originate from Rajasthan and thereabouts. Especially the example from the auction does look Rajasthani to me (and yours possibly, too)... Regards, Kai |
8th May 2018, 09:41 PM | #5 |
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Thanks Miguel. Yes, Tirri's examples are similar.
There has been some debate about whether these knives are from Kerala or NW India, as there appear to be similar style knives from Rajastan and neighboring areas. An online dealer from Jodphur seems to have a steady supply of similar knives although none as nice as these two. Ian. |
11th May 2018, 09:41 PM | #6 |
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I still think the one Ian shows is a Kerala knife. Have a look at the Pichangatti scabbards.
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13th May 2018, 11:46 AM | #7 |
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14th May 2018, 05:10 AM | #8 | |
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2nd June 2018, 01:13 AM | #9 | |
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