My first Dha ....a few questions please

Battara · 11th November 2007, 07:58 PM

I would guess at talismanic - seen similar decor on other Buddhist influenced pieces. Mark Bowditch or others from the "Dafia" would be of great help....

Mark · 12th November 2007, 03:51 PM

I think I'll have to wait for better photos before I can give any solid information. I have seen tip inserts like this on a few dha, but I have no idea what they might represent. They can be single, double, or as in this case triple (I have three, do I hear four?

). A talismanic function is possible, but I have no solid evidence that copper or brass, of which these inserts as well as the ones found along the spine of some dha are made, have any particular talismanic function. I am reluctant to say it is talismanic, because its a bit like the way archeoplogists call anything they can't figure out the purpose of a "ritual object."

Burmese? Thai? My guess is Shan (northern Tai).

katana · 13th November 2007, 12:41 PM

Thank you both, Battara and Mark, for your comments.

Talismatic reasons did 'spring to mind' but, as Mark has commented, this term is often used as an 'answer all'. Hopefully the Dha will arrive very soon and I can post better information and pics.

Would the blade be etched when owned in its native country ?
What wood would the scabbard be made from ?

Regards David

Andrew · 13th November 2007, 02:51 PM

Nice first dha, katana. I think the brass inserts are just for looks.

(Let's apply Occam's Razor until better information becomes available

).

No etch traditionally. I do lightly etch/polish my finer dha, however, because I like the look.

Your scabbard would likely have been teak bound with rattan strips.

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11th November 2007, 07:58 PM	#1
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,345	I would guess at talismanic - seen similar decor on other Buddhist influenced pieces. Mark Bowditch or others from the "Dafia" would be of great help....

12th November 2007, 03:51 PM	#2
Mark Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 987	I think I'll have to wait for better photos before I can give any solid information. I have seen tip inserts like this on a few dha, but I have no idea what they might represent. They can be single, double, or as in this case triple (I have three, do I hear four? ). A talismanic function is possible, but I have no solid evidence that copper or brass, of which these inserts as well as the ones found along the spine of some dha are made, have any particular talismanic function. I am reluctant to say it is talismanic, because its a bit like the way archeoplogists call anything they can't figure out the purpose of a "ritual object." Burmese? Thai? My guess is Shan (northern Tai).

13th November 2007, 12:41 PM	#3
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Thank you both, Battara and Mark, for your comments. Talismatic reasons did 'spring to mind' but, as Mark has commented, this term is often used as an 'answer all'. Hopefully the Dha will arrive very soon and I can post better information and pics. Would the blade be etched when owned in its native country ? What wood would the scabbard be made from ? Regards David

13th November 2007, 02:51 PM	#4
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	Nice first dha, katana. I think the brass inserts are just for looks. (Let's apply Occam's Razor until better information becomes available ). No etch traditionally. I do lightly etch/polish my finer dha, however, because I like the look. Your scabbard would likely have been teak bound with rattan strips.