Silver daab

[Iain]

We can only speculate of course about who owned this piece, why they commissioned it with this motif and under exactly what rank it was carried. However, it is unique in my experience and so far I have not uncovered another similar example or found anything close through friends in the broader daab/dha collecting community in the region. It is very possible it is something of a 'once off'.

If we were to speculate, given the somewhat water based theme, it could be the case it was owned by someone connected to the considerable importance of waterways in the region and perhaps the river navy. However that is simply enjoyable musings at this stage. What we can confidently state is that this is part of a family of swords made in the mid to late 19th century (this one probably towards the earlier half of that range given the quality of the silver and the blade) in Luang Prabang. I don't usually collect 'fancy' daab/dha but this one I could not resist with its combination of intriguing mythology and well made components.

It handles very well in the hand with excellent balance and is quite a large sword at nearly 100cm long.

Swords of this general pattern continued to be used well into the 20th century in Laos including in court functions, although later examples at times swapped out the silver grips for carved wood. If you look closely you will observe similar patterns in more recent events even during the 1970s with the last king of Laos, Sisavang Vatthana as well as heirlooms in Lao families in modern day Isan.

[Ian]

Iain,

Thanks for posting this sword. Most interesting decoration and silver work.

[Battara]

Amazing pieces!!!

[Jim McDougall]

Iain,
This is such fascinating and important detail on these VERY esoteric topics!!
While outside my general areas of study, what you have shared here is so important, and not only helps me appreciate the history and character of these arms, but to look deeper into understanding the nuances of them.

This kind of material opens new doors to the typical look at these weapons as 'oh, thats a dha!'.....Im amazed at the depth here.
This is so valuable, and I thank you so much for taking the time to share these details. My greatest discouragement many years ago in trying to learn on the arms of these region, was the complete dearth of information on them.
Its a new age!

All best regards
Jim

PS always great to see you posting again! yay!

[Iain]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Iain,
This is such fascinating and important detail on these VERY esoteric topics!!
While outside my general areas of study, what you have shared here is so important, and not only helps me appreciate the history and character of these arms, but to look deeper into understanding the nuances of them.

This kind of material opens new doors to the typical look at these weapons as 'oh, thats a dha!'.....Im amazed at the depth here.
This is so valuable, and I thank you so much for taking the time to share these details. My greatest discouragement many years ago in trying to learn on the arms of these region, was the complete dearth of information on them.
Its a new age!

All best regards
Jim

PS always great to see you posting again! yay!

Thanks Jim, I try to keep my posting these days just the rare and unusual pieces I come across. But I know that this level of detail might be a bit esoteric for those not deeply interested in the region.

Still, I think with pieces like this the combination of history, culture and artistic merit are well worth sharing.