An Indian dagger by any name

Marcus · 12th February 2016, 12:59 AM

How would you classify this piece?

This what Artzi said:
"The Yali is a Hindu mythological creature which is believed to be very powerful and thus its image was used in sword and daggers handles. This one is from South India, 7 1/2 inches re-curving blade with a brass handle with a Yali head pommel. Total length 10 1/2 inches. Good condition."

The handle is very small. It is only comfortable for me to hold in my whole hand, ignoring the knuckle guard.

mahratt · 12th February 2016, 04:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus

How would you classify this piece?

This what Artzi said:
"The Yali is a Hindu mythological creature which is believed to be very powerful and thus its image was used in sword and daggers handles. This one is from South India, 7 1/2 inches re-curving blade with a brass handle with a Yali head pommel. Total length 10 1/2 inches. Good condition."

The handle is very small. It is only comfortable for me to hold in my whole hand, ignoring the knuckle guard.

Hi, Marcus.

Congratulations! Excellent dagger.
I would call this a dagger - Bichwa from South India.

estcrh · 12th February 2016, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mahratt

Hi, Marcus.

Congratulations! Excellent dagger.
I would call this a dagger - Bichwa from South India.

Very similar to the one in the Met.

Indian (Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu) Bichuwa dagger, 17th century, steel, brass, silver, H. 10 5/8 in. (27 cm); H. of blade 7 1/2 in. (19.1 cm); W. 2 11/16 in. (6.8 cm); Wt. 8.1 oz. (229.6 g) Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935, Met Museum.

ariel · 12th February 2016, 08:07 AM

Bullseye.

BANDOOK · 12th February 2016, 11:07 AM

HERE IS MY SOUTH INDIAN YALI DAGGER FROM HYDERABAD OR MYSORE

L 35 cm.

A DAGGER WITH A BRONZE HANDLE IN THE FORM OF AN ANIMAL HEAD AND A STEEL BLADE WITH SILVER INLAID DECORATION OF ANIMALS IN A FOREST. India, Hyderabad, Length 35 cm. Matching sheath. Minor damage.

REGARDS
RAJESHr

Marcus · 12th February 2016, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ariel

Bullseye.

Great. Thanks, especial for the reference to the example in the Met. I note that the dimensions are nearly identical. Do they suggest it might have been intended for a woman?

ariel · 13th February 2016, 04:11 AM

South Indians are as a rule smaller than the Northerners. Perhaps,it fit their hands quite comfortably.

12th February 2016, 12:59 AM	#1
Marcus Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 420	An Indian dagger by any name How would you classify this piece? This what Artzi said: "The Yali is a Hindu mythological creature which is believed to be very powerful and thus its image was used in sword and daggers handles. This one is from South India, 7 1/2 inches re-curving blade with a brass handle with a Yali head pommel. Total length 10 1/2 inches. Good condition." The handle is very small. It is only comfortable for me to hold in my whole hand, ignoring the knuckle guard. Attached Images

12th February 2016, 11:07 AM	#5
BANDOOK Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: AUCKLAND,NEW ZEALAND Posts: 624	HERE IS MY SOUTH INDIAN YALI DAGGER FROM HYDERABAD OR MYSORE L 35 cm. A DAGGER WITH A BRONZE HANDLE IN THE FORM OF AN ANIMAL HEAD AND A STEEL BLADE WITH SILVER INLAID DECORATION OF ANIMALS IN A FOREST. India, Hyderabad, Length 35 cm. Matching sheath. Minor damage. REGARDS RAJESHr Attached Images

12th February 2016, 08:07 AM	#4
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Bullseye.

13th February 2016, 04:11 AM	#7
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	South Indians are as a rule smaller than the Northerners. Perhaps,it fit their hands quite comfortably.