Sri-Lankan (Ceylon) Knife

ariel · 16th May 2016, 09:56 PM

David,
I agree with you.
But they were not ceremonial either. The one shown by Bandook and labeled as such had been repeatedly and vigorously sharpened, to the point its middle part became visibly concave: a sign of heavy and prolonged use.

My guess, they were utility knives.

A. G. Maisey · 16th May 2016, 11:04 PM

I recall reading what appeared to be some very informed commentary on piha kaetta. I can't remember all the details, but it went something along the lines of these being made in workshops under the aegis of rulers, and that their primary function was as a 'badge of rank' knife.

They also come with a stylus for writing on lontar (palm leaves) and were an accoutrement of educated men.

I feel that what I half recall may have been in this Forum, but a quick google of piha kaetta seems to indicate that there is a site devoted to them hanging around somewhere. Maybe somebody with time to spare might care to dig for it.

Bob A · 16th May 2016, 11:15 PM

While I can't contribute any real information regarding the use of these knives, they are attractive examples of the metal-worker's art. The OP is the first time I've seen a sheath for one of these, and it too is an attractive piece of work. Given the general level of artisanal talent involved, I can easily see them as badge-of-rank items. What little I've read of them suggests the blade steel might not rise to the same level of quality as the rest of the implement, but that is merely hearsay (read-say?).

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 18th May 2016, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob A

While I can't contribute any real information regarding the use of these knives, they are attractive examples of the metal-worker's art. The OP is the first time I've seen a sheath for one of these, and it too is an attractive piece of work. Given the general level of artisanal talent involved, I can easily see them as badge-of-rank items. What little I've read of them suggests the blade steel might not rise to the same level of quality as the rest of the implement, but that is merely hearsay (read-say?).

The answer is in there somewhere ...I believe as part of the ceremonial and part the badge of office according to reports I have seen in such publications as seen at https://www.google.com/search?q=Piha...r-2aq1t1cfM%3A and particularly at michaelbackmans antiques pages.

See also http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O4...fe-and-sheath/

See also http://www.michaelbackmanltd.com/3133.html

The question is..were these ever fighting knives... ?

A. G. Maisey · 18th May 2016, 09:30 AM

I reckon if I were a scribe in old Sri Lanka, and some careless person damaged the lontar leaves I'd just spent a couple of months writing on, I'd cut him into tiny pieces with whatever was close at hand. If that was my piha kaetta, so be it.

Ian · 18th May 2016, 05:48 PM

I have often wondered about a mainland SE Asian influence in these knives. The shape of the blade on PK knives is reminiscent of Burmese and Thai knives that date back many centuries, and the inlaid silver designs with curly-queues and a koftgari technique are similar to traditional Burmese designs. Certainly, trade existed between the Lankans and the Burmese, and probably the Thai as well. Who influenced whom is open to question.

As far as being a weapon or ceremonial object, there are certainly lavish examples for ostentatious wear, but the blades are often quite heavy, sharpened and definitely functional--they could certainly be used as a weapon if needed.

Regards,

Ian.

ariel · 18th May 2016, 06:56 PM

Ian,
My ( very superficial) understanding was that Sri Lanka was a relatively peaceful society comparing even with contemporaneous India. Drunken brawls aside, there were not many opportunities to brandish weapons there.

Am I incorrect?

16th May 2016, 09:56 PM	#1
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	David, I agree with you. But they were not ceremonial either. The one shown by Bandook and labeled as such had been repeatedly and vigorously sharpened, to the point its middle part became visibly concave: a sign of heavy and prolonged use. My guess, they were utility knives.

16th May 2016, 11:04 PM	#2
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,056	I recall reading what appeared to be some very informed commentary on piha kaetta. I can't remember all the details, but it went something along the lines of these being made in workshops under the aegis of rulers, and that their primary function was as a 'badge of rank' knife. They also come with a stylus for writing on lontar (palm leaves) and were an accoutrement of educated men. I feel that what I half recall may have been in this Forum, but a quick google of piha kaetta seems to indicate that there is a site devoted to them hanging around somewhere. Maybe somebody with time to spare might care to dig for it.

16th May 2016, 11:15 PM	#3
Bob A Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 443	While I can't contribute any real information regarding the use of these knives, they are attractive examples of the metal-worker's art. The OP is the first time I've seen a sheath for one of these, and it too is an attractive piece of work. Given the general level of artisanal talent involved, I can easily see them as badge-of-rank items. What little I've read of them suggests the blade steel might not rise to the same level of quality as the rest of the implement, but that is merely hearsay (read-say?).

18th May 2016, 09:30 AM	#5
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,056	I reckon if I were a scribe in old Sri Lanka, and some careless person damaged the lontar leaves I'd just spent a couple of months writing on, I'd cut him into tiny pieces with whatever was close at hand. If that was my piha kaetta, so be it.

18th May 2016, 05:48 PM	#6
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,470	I have often wondered about a mainland SE Asian influence in these knives. The shape of the blade on PK knives is reminiscent of Burmese and Thai knives that date back many centuries, and the inlaid silver designs with curly-queues and a koftgari technique are similar to traditional Burmese designs. Certainly, trade existed between the Lankans and the Burmese, and probably the Thai as well. Who influenced whom is open to question. As far as being a weapon or ceremonial object, there are certainly lavish examples for ostentatious wear, but the blades are often quite heavy, sharpened and definitely functional--they could certainly be used as a weapon if needed. Regards, Ian.

18th May 2016, 06:56 PM	#7
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Ian, My ( very superficial) understanding was that Sri Lanka was a relatively peaceful society comparing even with contemporaneous India. Drunken brawls aside, there were not many opportunities to brandish weapons there. Am I incorrect?