Nepalese Pra-swords

[Jim McDougall]

This is a most interesting example of 18th century kora, especially with the unusual variant blade form. By the latter 18th century the preferred Gorkhali weapon was the kukri, and it seems that the kora had been for the most part reserved for ceremonial or sacrificial use. While that may well be the case, it seems that many of the kora I have seen are much like this in simplicity, suggesting fighting rather than ceremonial use. Possibly the influence of the so called spear point blade of cavalry sabres is seen on this example, further emphasizing the probability of combat use, despite the lack of weighted end.

It seems generally accepted that both the kukri and the kora share thier probable ancestry from the kopis, and although the direct progression is unclear, they both seem to have existed concurrently. The heavier kukri with its dual purpose attributes both in utility and combat seems to have prevailed in favor, especially as the famed Gurkha regiments were formed in the early 19th century.

[kai]

Hello Jim,

This is a most interesting example of 18th century kora, especially with the unusual variant blade form.

I beg to differ: This doesn't seem to be a kora (not even modified from a regular fighting kora blade).

AFAIK it's well established that this hilt type has been used with different blade forms as battlefield weapons. From the top of my head I remember kora blades, regular khukuri blades, recurved sword blades, as well as downcurving sword blades like the one shown above by Ariel (obviously influenced by the soussun patah and yataghan blades). From northern India, there are also the recurved khukuri blades and those "ox cutters" (usually with tulwar hilts?).

Regards,
Kai

[spiral]

Interesting piece Ariel,

If one goes pre.1800 thier are many unusualy bladed Nepalese weapons, kukri, kora & other strange beasts, some typicle Yataghan shaped even ,most that dont appear in western litriture & collections.

I think the origin of the kukri is still wide open myself, gaps of many centurys in most reasonings, which makes it all debatable.

I think kora were often used in Nepal later than often supposed, not just for sacrafice either. Their have been a few photo about, saddley I dont have rights to them though.

There are still armourys there with lorry loads of rusty, holed, falling apart relics them, realy sad when one sees a few were inlayed in fairly thick gold even & were other what once great pieces. Most serious market traders & of course dealers there can find you 20 or so in a few minutes to peruse.

Spiral

[Jim McDougall]

Hello Kai,
Thanks very much for answering!
You are right in that using the term kora for this weapon may be a bit arbitrary, and often specific terminology in describing ethnographic weapons can be both frustrating and misleading. The distinct double roundel hilt seen on the kora of course has been used as well on many variant weapons of the subcontinent, thank you for clarifying that point.

All best regards,
Jim

[Andreas Volk]

Very interesting beast ...
might I ask for a close up picture of the tip ? Just to "exclude" that we are looking at a kora with a down-grinded and then reworked and again heat treated tip.

regards

Andreas

[Jim McDougall]

Good point Andreas!!!
....couldnt resist!

This doesnt seem ground down, but I really cant tell, many of the guys have a better eye for those characteristics than I do for sure.

Best regards,
Jim

[ariel]

Here they are. I cannot detect any sign of alteration: the curve is contiguous, smooth and there are no signs of any work on the area.