An old Tibetan warrior

dennee · 22nd March 2016, 03:48 AM

All that is required to support a hypothesis is evidence. So far, no one has brought forward evidence of early or widespread use of the kora in Tibet. On the other hand, there is plenty of evidence of use in Nepal, and similarities between koras and kukris.

The Kachin dha comes out of Burma, admittedly Assam-adjacent, although folks tend to insist on calling it Naga, presumably because some were acquired by the eastern Nagas. But if you look at traditional Naga blades, they are smaller and differently shaped---axes, really, usually on a wood haft. Some Naga axes have concave ends, but they don't look like koras. The Khasis probably had the most access to iron in the hills and the most advanced metal technology. But their 'national' sword, and those of the Garos, are not closely related to koras. The little Kuki sword would probably have the closest resemblance, but not very close.

That the Tibetans traded blades and even bought off potential raiders from nearby tribes with blades is well enough documented. But that form of knife doesn't seem to have much to do with koras.

22nd March 2016, 03:48 AM	#29
dennee Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: College Park, MD Posts: 186	All that is required to support a hypothesis is evidence. So far, no one has brought forward evidence of early or widespread use of the kora in Tibet. On the other hand, there is plenty of evidence of use in Nepal, and similarities between koras and kukris. The Kachin dha comes out of Burma, admittedly Assam-adjacent, although folks tend to insist on calling it Naga, presumably because some were acquired by the eastern Nagas. But if you look at traditional Naga blades, they are smaller and differently shaped---axes, really, usually on a wood haft. Some Naga axes have concave ends, but they don't look like koras. The Khasis probably had the most access to iron in the hills and the most advanced metal technology. But their 'national' sword, and those of the Garos, are not closely related to koras. The little Kuki sword would probably have the closest resemblance, but not very close. That the Tibetans traded blades and even bought off potential raiders from nearby tribes with blades is well enough documented. But that form of knife doesn't seem to have much to do with koras.