An Interesting Dha Dagger With a Snake (Naga) Bolster

Gavin Nugent · 9th April 2013, 08:40 PM

An interesting speimen Charles.

Funny thing is I just bought a Brit Naval sabre circa 1805 and is has a cross guard made in this manner, being a snake or snakes wrapping around forming a figure "8"...now whilst they are not related, I do wonder if this is Brit related/inspired rather than native Naga?

Gav

CharlesS · 9th April 2013, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freebooter

An interesting speimen Charles.

Funny thing is I just bought a Brit Naval sabre circa 1905 and is has a cross guard made in this manner, being a snake or snakes wrapping around forming a figure "8"...now whilst they are not related, I do wonder if this is Brit related/inspired rather than native Naga?

Gav

This seems so atypical of Burmese and Thai bolsters I can certainly see how the Brit sword might impact Burmese artisans. I think that is a possibility along with the possibility of a wealthy man just wanting something unique.
As I have said before...if only these things could talk...but in this case maybe that's NOT such a good idea. I have no use for conversational snakes outside of The Jungle Book!

Battara · 10th April 2013, 01:02 AM

What an interesting piece (boy you've been busy)!

Do you think the naga/snake on this piece is talismanic?

CharlesS · 10th April 2013, 01:20 AM

I am really not so sure about the snake being talismanic...were it Indonesian or Filipino I was lean toward "yes", but on Thai and Burmese pieces I am not aware of the use of snakes as much as talismanic reliefs...so here I lean towards "no", in favor of it being more of an artistic rendering on an otherwise big, but rather plain piece.

Gavin Nugent · 10th April 2013, 01:57 AM

The snake is an exceptional carved/chiseled example.

I would have thought, at face value, if it was talasmanic, it would display a more native Naga look with a cobra like hoods often seen.

Of a different method of manufacture is the one shown here from the Brit Naval sword.

Gavin

Battara · 10th April 2013, 02:16 AM

Gavin you are right, great casting workmanship on the snake!

RSWORD · 10th April 2013, 02:32 AM

Looking at the shape of the head on your snake Charles(and please, don't laugh at this exact moment) it looks like a python. Maybe you can find references for the Burmese python and make some comparisons. Given the level of detail done, I would think we could identify the type of snake this represents and go from there.

9th April 2013, 08:40 PM	#1
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	An interesting speimen Charles. Funny thing is I just bought a Brit Naval sabre circa 1805 and is has a cross guard made in this manner, being a snake or snakes wrapping around forming a figure "8"...now whilst they are not related, I do wonder if this is Brit related/inspired rather than native Naga? Gav Last edited by freebooter; 10th April 2013 at 12:53 PM. Reason: wrong date

10th April 2013, 01:57 AM	#5
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	The snake is an exceptional carved/chiseled example. I would have thought, at face value, if it was talasmanic, it would display a more native Naga look with a cobra like hoods often seen. Of a different method of manufacture is the one shown here from the Brit Naval sword. Gavin Attached Images

10th April 2013, 01:02 AM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,345	What an interesting piece (boy you've been busy)! Do you think the naga/snake on this piece is talismanic?

10th April 2013, 01:20 AM	#4
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	I am really not so sure about the snake being talismanic...were it Indonesian or Filipino I was lean toward "yes", but on Thai and Burmese pieces I am not aware of the use of snakes as much as talismanic reliefs...so here I lean towards "no", in favor of it being more of an artistic rendering on an otherwise big, but rather plain piece.

10th April 2013, 02:16 AM	#6
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,345	Gavin you are right, great casting workmanship on the snake!

10th April 2013, 02:32 AM	#7
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,093	Looking at the shape of the head on your snake Charles(and please, don't laugh at this exact moment) it looks like a python. Maybe you can find references for the Burmese python and make some comparisons. Given the level of detail done, I would think we could identify the type of snake this represents and go from there.