Simple yet beautiful blade; bone (ivory?) hilt; origin unknown

Ian · 11th February 2022, 02:13 PM

There are a few features that lead me to think that this Burmese style knife may be from a little further north. Several groups in NE India utilize similar knives. Some of their blades may be obtained from Burma and, perhaps surprisingly, from HuSa in southern Yunnan. The preference is sometimes for heavier blades, as on this one.

The ivory scales (they have to be elephant ivory), pinned over a full tang, are distinctly not from traditional Burmese, Thai, or Lao sources. The relatively short, narrow tangs of swords and knives from these groups would not accommodate pins such as on the example here. There are, however, examples of hilt scales pinned over full tangs that come from Southern Yunnan.

The sheath does not really resemble traditional mainland SE Asian work, but would fit better with some NE Indian groups, especially the copper wire wrapping. The sheath might post date the manufacture of the knife.

Overall, a bit of a mystery knife having elements of different cultures. Knowing that some of the NE Indian tribal groups traded for knives from the south, I think this piece was used in the north. I would estimate its age as early 20th C, but it could be older depending on use and storage.

Sajen · 11th February 2022, 04:15 PM

After speaking with a very good friend of mine who is an expert on mainland Southeast Asian blades about the knife in question I would agree with Ian, the ferrule and handle pin is unusual too.
And the given origin from Ian seems to be a very good one. The ivory handle could be from an English bread knife my friend assumed.
He says also that it is a rare find!

Regards,
Detlef

shayde78 · 15th February 2022, 02:44 AM

Thank you all for the brilliant insights. I had never given many thoughts to blades from the Burmese region. I love when a new acquisition leads to discovering something new, and I truly appreciate the knowledge shared so generously.

Thanks again!
-Rob

Ian · 15th February 2022, 04:47 AM

Rob,

You found a really nice knife for your first purchase from that area. Watch out--they can be addictive.

Sajen · 15th February 2022, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

Watch out--they can be addictive.

Indeed!

DhaDha · 15th February 2022, 08:33 PM

So... The pinned hilt and scabbard are pretty unique by Dha standards. Could this be a Yao knife from Africa?

shayde78 · 26th February 2022, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DhaDha

So... The pinned hilt and scabbard are pretty unique by Dha standards. Could this be a Yao knife from Africa?

Well...you sent me down a rabbit hole! Reading thru threads on here, it seems the origin of the yao knives was never really agreed upon (despite museum designations). I see the similarities to my knife and yours is a good suggestion. However, some features that differ - the Yao knives seem to have a partial tang (my knife has a full tang and slab scales). Also, the 1/4 inch thick spine and meticulously forged blade isn't similar to anything I've ever seen come out of Africa, but I could be wrong.

I love finding items that bring a little mystery to the conversation!

11th February 2022, 02:13 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,361	There are a few features that lead me to think that this Burmese style knife may be from a little further north. Several groups in NE India utilize similar knives. Some of their blades may be obtained from Burma and, perhaps surprisingly, from HuSa in southern Yunnan. The preference is sometimes for heavier blades, as on this one. The ivory scales (they have to be elephant ivory), pinned over a full tang, are distinctly not from traditional Burmese, Thai, or Lao sources. The relatively short, narrow tangs of swords and knives from these groups would not accommodate pins such as on the example here. There are, however, examples of hilt scales pinned over full tangs that come from Southern Yunnan. The sheath does not really resemble traditional mainland SE Asian work, but would fit better with some NE Indian groups, especially the copper wire wrapping. The sheath might post date the manufacture of the knife. Overall, a bit of a mystery knife having elements of different cultures. Knowing that some of the NE Indian tribal groups traded for knives from the south, I think this piece was used in the north. I would estimate its age as early 20th C, but it could be older depending on use and storage.

11th February 2022, 04:15 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,164	After speaking with a very good friend of mine who is an expert on mainland Southeast Asian blades about the knife in question I would agree with Ian, the ferrule and handle pin is unusual too. And the given origin from Ian seems to be a very good one. The ivory handle could be from an English bread knife my friend assumed. He says also that it is a rare find! Regards, Detlef

15th February 2022, 02:44 AM	#3
shayde78 Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 445	Thank you all for the brilliant insights. I had never given many thoughts to blades from the Burmese region. I love when a new acquisition leads to discovering something new, and I truly appreciate the knowledge shared so generously. Thanks again! -Rob

15th February 2022, 04:47 AM	#4
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,361	Rob, You found a really nice knife for your first purchase from that area. Watch out--they can be addictive.

15th February 2022, 08:33 PM	#6
DhaDha Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 176	So... The pinned hilt and scabbard are pretty unique by Dha standards. Could this be a Yao knife from Africa?