Ceremonial Axe - with Bells

[longfellow]

A Ceremonial sword or axe is what I have to go on. It looks like a type of Ram Dao but the shape is wrong.

Approx. 33 1/2” overall length with the blade extending about 20” past the end of the brass and about 6 1/2” at the broadest part of the blade – top to bottom. All edges of the blade are sharp except the top. Notation with the piece says Ceremonial Axe – Malabar – India – 17th c.

My dad is now past 90, has dementia and recalls very little or less, when he is ‘here’. I only have an occasional notation to decide what is still around the house. I research as I can but since there is still a lot, any observations, comments, information, leads, suggestions, etc. are welcome.

[kronckew]

reminds me of a Kora

[Atlantia]

Strange I was just discussing a similar concept in another thread.
I think this might be a processional/festival piece. Carried at the head of a procession during religious festivals and 'jingled'.

[longfellow]

Originally Posted by Atlantia

Strange I was just discussing a similar concept in another thread.
I think this might be a processional/festival piece. Carried at the head of a procession during religious festivals and 'jingled'.

Hello Atlantia,

Thank you for the suggestion, but this piece seems a little too, ah, .... 'utilitarian', for just jingling at a festival or to just carry in a procession. With all edges sharp, one wouldn't easily miss when using it. However, they carry rifles and swords, leading the tanks, in parades nowadays so I guess not much difference.

Any suggestion on origin of this style piece?

[Shimmerxxx]

The hilt and the rings remind me of a South Indian Temple Sword (Nayar). From what I understand, they often have different blade shapes, although I've never seen one in this style.

[Shimmerxxx]

There are a couple of interesting threads already on this forum worth checking out:

http://vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=3165

and

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=3164

[longfellow]

[QUOTE=Shimmerxxx]There are a couple of interesting threads already on this forum worth checking out:

Thank you, Shimmerxxx,

I guess 'Malabar' may be within the realm of possibility. I must admit that I saw a picture of one of these quite a few years ago, but nothing other than the vague image of the picture remains. Oh well, if it weren't for a bad memory, I probably wouldn't have one at all. (Interesting about 'standing' as the resting position.)

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by longfellow

Hello Atlantia,

Thank you for the suggestion, but this piece seems a little too, ah, .... 'utilitarian', for just jingling at a festival or to just carry in a procession. With all edges sharp, one wouldn't easily miss when using it. However, they carry rifles and swords, leading the tanks, in parades nowadays so I guess not much difference.

Any suggestion on origin of this style piece?

Hi again,

Shimmer's examples show what I'm thinking of. I've seen them being carried at the head of processions and festivals etc.
The one I've actually handled has also got a very 'live' blade.

[longfellow]

Originally Posted by Atlantia

Hi again,

Shimmer's examples show what I'm thinking of. I've seen them being carried at the head of processions and festivals etc.
The one I've actually handled has also got a very 'live' blade.

Ah, yes. How silly of me. Not necessarily just a 'set piece' in the procession or ceremony, but a main character. Amazing how one can get set on a track and not always easily able to switch to another. Sometimes I just don't think things through. Thank you for the nudge.