Piha Kaetta off the bucket list

[Jim McDougall]

Excellent Rick, and a perfect illustration of the nebulous boundaries between weapon and tool. As noted previously, the piha kaetta was used extensively in cutting stylus' for writing on leaves, the writing medium in lieu of paper, papyrus or other material. While these were typically court or well to do figures' knives and intended as suitably embellished accoutrements, much as court swords and the like, and they could certainly be used as weapons and with effect.

They seem to have been utility oriented as some are with accompanying kit items.

As well shown here, even a simple cutlery or kitchen item can become a weapon of opportunity, and present deadly results. On the frontiers, a knife was not only for dressing game and utility, but for self defense (or attack as the case might be). While the espada ancha, the hanger type sword worn by horsemen in northern Mexico and American Southwest are considered to be weapons, they were used more as machetes in chopping through heavy desert vegetation and chapparal. I really cannot think of any instance in period narratives which express their use in combat.

[Kubur]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

As well shown here, even a simple cutlery or kitchen item can become a weapon of opportunity, and present deadly results. On the frontiers, a knife was not only for dressing game and utility, but for self defense (or attack as the case might be). While the espada ancha, the hanger type sword worn by horsemen in northern Mexico and American Southwest are considered to be weapons, they were used more as machetes in chopping through heavy desert vegetation and chapparal. I really cannot think of any instance in period narratives which express their use in combat.

Yes and what about the kukri? Is it a machete or a weapon? Both I guess

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Kubur

Yes and what about the kukri? Is it a machete or a weapon? Both I guess

Indeed it is both, much as many if not most edged weapons in SE Asia as well. Most of the dha's and various forms are used by tribes interchangeably as both tools and weapons as I have understood. I am sure those well versed on the weapons of these areas may better elaborate, but in old National Geographic magazines there are often wonderful photos of tribal figures in these regions chopping wood etc with various weapons.
There are of course many examples and anecdotes regarding this, far too many to deviate from our focus on the piha kaetta.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Now to focus in on the Piha Keatta namely in the bird head use on the original style hilt and on the peculiar parrots head at the end of the scabbard. Birdshead decorated hilts seem to have fluttered in from South India and also have graced many fine daggers in Mughal times. In fact, the reality is that over many centuries Indian craftsmen have been openly invited to the Sri Lankan Royal Workshops. It is hardly surprising that inter related designs have permeated Sri Lankan form... naturally and in ways linked to Buddhist and Hindu styles...as well as the obvious regional influences.

Below are a few examples of Indian Bird hilts and the effect onto Sri Lankan weapons...in this case I focus on the Parrot-like Piha Kaetta scabbard tips.~

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

It is said that the name of the stylus is
'ULKATUVA' used to train a student to write on a palm leaf. Once he is trained he is permitted to use a different type of stylus the 'PANHINDA'
I had previously placed the stylus name as Keynithuth but will recheck that source...

The materials decide what the name of the style of dagger is called ...In the case of Crystal; Gal Mita Pihiya and below a Met museum example..

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

What seems to be the original form hilt appears at

http://www.vikingsword.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/001998.html and above in my previous notes..Here is the bird hilt again ~

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

I am somewhat inspired to create a likeness post comparing the scabbard of the Kastane with that of the Piha Kaetta in the formation of the birds head parrot design at the tip.
see http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/newrep...ote=1&p=224117


This would also point to the same workshop which we know is true ...Kandyan Royal Workshops ... with the added assumption of the same timescale ...Thus the two weapons being made in tandem in this environment...

Same workshops, same time, same design.

To remind readers ~ Piha-Kaetta

A Ceylonese knife. Usually a broad single-edged steel blade with double fullers along the back edge to the forte, partly covered on each side with partly pierced silver-inlaid brass panels. The blade is often cast and chased with dense foliate motifs. The grip is usually carved ivory or wood mounted in silver and has a silver pommel-cap, with scrolling foliage worked into the cap.
These elaborately decorated knives were usually the product of the "Pattal-hatara" or "four workshops" with the blades being supplied by the local smiths. This was a mainly hereditary corporation of the best craftsman who worked exclusively for the King of Kandy. Originally there was only one "pattala", but this was subsequently divided into sections, which included a "Rankadu pattala" or "golden sword workshop". As well as being worn by courtiers, these knives were given by the king to nobles and high-ranking officials.