sword from the Kuki people, North India

[Ian]

Originally Posted by JeffS

There are some photos on the forum of Kuki axe/swords. These mostly have guards and interesting geometry. While they do use brass for the handles the style does not match with the floral motif on the handle of your example.

Having owned several Kuki swords of the type shown elsewhere on this site (and referenced by Rawson in his book), I have to say these are non-functioning swords. The ones that I have handled had no sharpened edge. Perhaps they could be used as clubs. I have heard them referred to as purely ceremonial and used for dancing purposes. Whether they were once weapons, perhaps in the remote past, is an open question I think.