A Massive Dha/Daab/Dah/Dao....But From Where???

[CharlesS]

Originally Posted by Ian

Great dha Charles. I've seen a few of these massive ones and they could have been used for a number of purposes, some of which have been mentioned here.

As far as where it may have come from, I think it is unlikely to be Burmese. While the arrangement of ferrules resembles Burmese style, the high ratio of length of hilt to length of blade is not a Burmese trait. More likely Northern Thai/Shan or thereabouts IMO. The rounded pommel is consistent with that area also rather than Burman work.

Ian

But what about the blade style Ian? I don't see it as very Thai.

[Ian]

Originally Posted by CharlesS

But what about the blade style Ian? I don't see it as very Thai.

Charles, you are correct. It is not a very Thai style of tip to the blade. However, we do see this style along the Yunnan border, from northern Burma to Laos--I have one or two examples made by the HuSa people (ethnically close to the Shan and living in nearby Yunnan) that bear their distinctive mark. The HuSa sold their knives and swords widely (including into Assam, Bhutan and Tibet) so where these were used could be some distance from the site of manufacture.

The hilt:blade ratio is a better guide of where this sword was made IMO. Northern Burmese (Kachin) dha and those from the various Assam-area groups preserve a short hilt even on some very long blades. To illustrate this, please see the pics attached that show several dha from Assam/N. Burma/Yunnan areas. Despite considerable variation in the length of the blades, the hilts are fairly uniform in length.

Nathaniel has nailed it I think.

Ian.

[CharlesS]

Great input Ian...thanks!!!

[Ian]

Here is another one that was sold on the Oriental Arms site. A massive dha described by Artzi Yarom as follows:

"This Huge Dah sword is the biggest we have ever seen. Monstrous blade 38 inches long 3 inches wide, forged from good steel and with sharp edge. Wood handle bound with braided rattan ring 22 inches long 2 ½ inches in diameter. The wood scabbard is bound with rattan bands. Total length 64 inches compared to an average of 35 inches in a more common Dah swords. To demonstrate the dimensions we are showing this monster next to a “normal” 33 inches Dah sword. ... Several of the rattan bands are a later replacement. Very unusual. Probably Burmese, late 19 or early 20C. ceremonial sword."

This one might be Burmese. It is quite plain and obviously intended for serious use.

[Sajen]

Agree with Ian, Laos daab, Tai Lue, Dai? Very nice piece, congrats Charles!

Regards,
Detlef