South Indian Sword

[Bill M]

Originally Posted by Ian

Bill:

Could you tell us more about the materials in this sword.

There are features here that are new to me for a S. Indian flamboyant sword. I've not seen any with such a single broad fuller and such a heavily recurved blade. Also, the hilt seems odd in its construction, especially the handle and arrangement of the "plates" at the end. Do they jingle when the sword is shaken?

Perhaps Artzi could shed some more light on this style. There are some discordant features that make me think it might be a 19th C. version of an earlier sword.

In any case it is a beautiful sword.

Regards,

Ian.

P.S. "Nair" is the name given to Hindus living in SW India along the Malabar Coast in what are now the states of Karnataka and Kerala.

Malabar is an area where the Theyyam live. I have a great interest in them! Is the Nair like the Newar or Newyar? Now we are getting someplace.

I will send this link to Artzi and see what light he can shed on it.