Whatzit ??

Tim Simmons · 31st January 2006, 08:02 PM

Tigers jaw.

fearn · 1st February 2006, 12:53 AM

Thanks for the information Mark. I think we're in agreement about the weird features (fretwork on the scabbard, Chinese guard), and it's certainly helpful to see some kachin dhas with the openwork scabbards.

So far as the jaw goes, I'm pretty sure it's not a tiger (it's too small, and those look like mature teeth in the picture), and until I hit the books and check out skulls in depth, I'd guess dog. Assuming that this ID is correct, I'd guess that the designer of the scabbard knew that the scabbards are supposed to have a talismanic jaw attached, and found a jaw to attach. It's also possible that it does have talismanic significance, but the composite features bug me.

Neat piece though, and it's good that we're having a discussion over it.

F

Mark · 2nd February 2006, 08:17 PM

Here is the jaw attached to the shoulder loop of my Kachin dao. It is about 3" long. Any thoughts as to species? I was looking at jawbones on the internet, and the canine ones had that little premolar like this one. On the other hand, the short length of it points to a cat of some sort.

Tim Simmons · 2nd February 2006, 08:32 PM

Hi Mark.
I am not a zoologist but when I looked into this the length and width/depth of jaw bone was relevant. If that canine is 3" then the back molar is not far off the same size, what dog has a 3" bone crushing molar maybe a Hyena but they are from Africa. The canine is quite narrow at the base but like people Tigers come in all shapes and sizes. If you were to look at "google Tigers images" it is possible to see considerable variation in the structure in the same sub species of these now rare beasts. I will try and get the comparisons I made . Tim

Tim Simmons · 2nd February 2006, 08:37 PM

From these pictures your jaw looks that of a jungle/snow Leopard.

31st January 2006, 08:02 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,855	Tigers jaw. Attached Images

2nd February 2006, 08:17 PM	#3
Mark Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 987	Here is the jaw attached to the shoulder loop of my Kachin dao. It is about 3" long. Any thoughts as to species? I was looking at jawbones on the internet, and the canine ones had that little premolar like this one. On the other hand, the short length of it points to a cat of some sort. Attached Images

2nd February 2006, 08:37 PM	#5
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,855	From these pictures your jaw looks that of a jungle/snow Leopard. Attached Images

1st February 2006, 12:53 AM	#2
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	Thanks for the information Mark. I think we're in agreement about the weird features (fretwork on the scabbard, Chinese guard), and it's certainly helpful to see some kachin dhas with the openwork scabbards. So far as the jaw goes, I'm pretty sure it's not a tiger (it's too small, and those look like mature teeth in the picture), and until I hit the books and check out skulls in depth, I'd guess dog. Assuming that this ID is correct, I'd guess that the designer of the scabbard knew that the scabbards are supposed to have a talismanic jaw attached, and found a jaw to attach. It's also possible that it does have talismanic significance, but the composite features bug me. Neat piece though, and it's good that we're having a discussion over it. F

2nd February 2006, 08:32 PM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,855	Hi Mark. I am not a zoologist but when I looked into this the length and width/depth of jaw bone was relevant. If that canine is 3" then the back molar is not far off the same size, what dog has a 3" bone crushing molar maybe a Hyena but they are from Africa. The canine is quite narrow at the base but like people Tigers come in all shapes and sizes. If you were to look at "google Tigers images" it is possible to see considerable variation in the structure in the same sub species of these now rare beasts. I will try and get the comparisons I made . Tim