Celon Knife.

not2sharp · 25th March 2007, 08:22 PM

Tim,

That is a nice example; you did well. I find the styling and workmanship on these to be very consistent. They were likely all made by the same school of craftmen in Kandy, Ceylon. Welcome to the club!

n2s

Battara · 30th March 2007, 12:51 AM

I'm not into piha kaetta, but you have a nice puppy (woof!

).

derek · 1st April 2007, 11:52 PM

Hi Tim,
You did well for someone with different collecting priorities! That's a very complete piha. As Bill noted the scabbards can be the most rare piece.

I like the pattern in the brass (vine patterns are called "liya vela", I think). I have seen a few others with the same. I have a some different variations but not that exact one.

Congrats on that find. I need to do an update on the pihakaetta.com pics. I'll add yours if you're okay with it.

-d

Emanuel · 2nd April 2007, 02:08 AM

Is there any cultural, geographical or temporal distinction between the pihas with a tip that angles towards the edge, and those that curve towards the spine? I noticed this in a number of pieces and I am wondering whether the backwards sweep is due to the blade having been broken.

For comparisons, I'm adding a picture from Oriental-Arms. In this example the sheath follows the same curvature, possibly indicating it was original.

Regards,
Emanuel

derek · 2nd April 2007, 03:01 AM

Hi Manolo,

Take a look at this article:
http://www.pihakaetta.com/sinhala_weapons_armor_low.pdf

Page 8 mentions different names for piha variations. I've noted this before, but "piha kaetta" is a Stone term that is a little contradictory in Sinhalese, but it is in fact used to describe one specific type of chopping knife. "Piha" denotes the decorative knife like we are discussing. "Da Kaetta" is a more utilitarian chopping knife.

Anyway, to answer your question, yes there are many specific names for piha variations such as Ul Piha (the slender straight example you posted), Gal Mita Piha (the kind with the crystal or jade handles), Vak Piha (curved blade), etc.

Sorry, the PDf is a rough scan, but readable if you're interested.

-d

Tim Simmons · 2nd April 2007, 07:14 AM

Thanks for the information. I do not think the blade is wootz. You are welcome to use the pic, I find that rather a compliment. Are these really a fighting knife? It is sharp or was very sharp. Would give a terrible slash or chop. Perhaps more defencive?

Emanuel · 2nd April 2007, 02:26 PM

Thank you very much Derek, I missed that file on your website. I'll get to reading it.

Emanuel

2nd April 2007, 02:08 AM	#4
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	A question... Is there any cultural, geographical or temporal distinction between the pihas with a tip that angles towards the edge, and those that curve towards the spine? I noticed this in a number of pieces and I am wondering whether the backwards sweep is due to the blade having been broken. For comparisons, I'm adding a picture from Oriental-Arms. In this example the sheath follows the same curvature, possibly indicating it was original. Regards, Emanuel Attached Images

25th March 2007, 08:22 PM	#1
not2sharp Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 210	Tim, That is a nice example; you did well. I find the styling and workmanship on these to be very consistent. They were likely all made by the same school of craftmen in Kandy, Ceylon. Welcome to the club! n2s

30th March 2007, 12:51 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	I'm not into piha kaetta, but you have a nice puppy (woof! ).

1st April 2007, 11:52 PM	#3
derek Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 215	Hi Tim, You did well for someone with different collecting priorities! That's a very complete piha. As Bill noted the scabbards can be the most rare piece. I like the pattern in the brass (vine patterns are called "liya vela", I think). I have seen a few others with the same. I have a some different variations but not that exact one. Congrats on that find. I need to do an update on the pihakaetta.com pics. I'll add yours if you're okay with it. -d

2nd April 2007, 03:01 AM	#5
derek Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 215	Hi Manolo, Take a look at this article: http://www.pihakaetta.com/sinhala_weapons_armor_low.pdf Page 8 mentions different names for piha variations. I've noted this before, but "piha kaetta" is a Stone term that is a little contradictory in Sinhalese, but it is in fact used to describe one specific type of chopping knife. "Piha" denotes the decorative knife like we are discussing. "Da Kaetta" is a more utilitarian chopping knife. Anyway, to answer your question, yes there are many specific names for piha variations such as Ul Piha (the slender straight example you posted), Gal Mita Piha (the kind with the crystal or jade handles), Vak Piha (curved blade), etc. Sorry, the PDf is a rough scan, but readable if you're interested. -d

2nd April 2007, 07:14 AM	#6
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,855	Thanks for the information. I do not think the blade is wootz. You are welcome to use the pic, I find that rather a compliment. Are these really a fighting knife? It is sharp or was very sharp. Would give a terrible slash or chop. Perhaps more defencive?

2nd April 2007, 02:26 PM	#7
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	Thank you very much Derek, I missed that file on your website. I'll get to reading it. Emanuel