Dha for identification

JeffS · 27th June 2019, 11:25 AM

This dha has been on display in a Phnom Penh hotel for the over 4 years I have been here. I took some terrible quick photos hoping to learn more about it. It has copper "coins" capping each end of the handle with what looks like Chinese characters. The scabbard has brass hardware, the entire thing is covered in some varnish coating. Thoughts?

JeffS · 28th June 2019, 07:52 AM

Found a couple of Cambodian examples in the dha index and this one is similar with simple long handle, up upswept blade, and asymmetrical scabbard that matches the blade shape. The index puts those at early to mid 20th century.

kahnjar1 · 29th June 2019, 08:22 AM

Hi Dizos
http://vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=24695
I agree with your comments about the Dha you have in relation to the description in the Dha Index.
I have attached a link to an earlier thread discussing Cambodian/Lao Dha which might be of interest. I have usually termed these as "Khmer" which nicely covers the general region. Also bear in mind that Yunnan is just across the border which possibly is reflected by the Chinese?? coin used as a pommel cap.
Stu

Ian · 1st July 2019, 11:42 AM

Hi dizos.

Thanks for sharing these pics of a Cambodian darv (dha, daab in Burmese, Thai). This one seems to have some age, dating back at least to the 19th C. I would think. We don't see many antique Cambodian swords.

The scabbard with a pointed toe is typical of older Cambodian swords that I have seen. The black material coating the scabbard and hilt is a resin that was used commonly on older swords to prevent corrosion and offer some protection against the tropical humidity and rain. This black resin is found on dha/daab/darv from many of the countries in MSEA.

Unfortunately, the Dha Index has not been updated in quite a while and the information is considered outdated or inaccurate in many cases.

Ian.

27th June 2019, 11:25 AM	#1
JeffS Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 345	Dha for identification This dha has been on display in a Phnom Penh hotel for the over 4 years I have been here. I took some terrible quick photos hoping to learn more about it. It has copper "coins" capping each end of the handle with what looks like Chinese characters. The scabbard has brass hardware, the entire thing is covered in some varnish coating. Thoughts? Attached Images

28th June 2019, 07:52 AM	#2
JeffS Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 345	Found a couple of Cambodian examples in the dha index and this one is similar with simple long handle, up upswept blade, and asymmetrical scabbard that matches the blade shape. The index puts those at early to mid 20th century.

29th June 2019, 08:22 AM	#3
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,739	Hi Dizos http://vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=24695 I agree with your comments about the Dha you have in relation to the description in the Dha Index. I have attached a link to an earlier thread discussing Cambodian/Lao Dha which might be of interest. I have usually termed these as "Khmer" which nicely covers the general region. Also bear in mind that Yunnan is just across the border which possibly is reflected by the Chinese?? coin used as a pommel cap. Stu

1st July 2019, 11:42 AM	#4
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,203	Hi dizos. Thanks for sharing these pics of a Cambodian darv (dha, daab in Burmese, Thai). This one seems to have some age, dating back at least to the 19th C. I would think. We don't see many antique Cambodian swords. The scabbard with a pointed toe is typical of older Cambodian swords that I have seen. The black material coating the scabbard and hilt is a resin that was used commonly on older swords to prevent corrosion and offer some protection against the tropical humidity and rain. This black resin is found on dha/daab/darv from many of the countries in MSEA. Unfortunately, the Dha Index has not been updated in quite a while and the information is considered outdated or inaccurate in many cases. Ian.