Interesting implement

mariusgmioc · 23rd February 2017, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mercenary

In the MET Museum there is an interesting implement. I found it very interesting by its construction:
http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...p=20&pos=2

I would say it is a Katar, but without the extending armguards. While quite rare, katars missing the extending armguards are definitely not unheard of.

I am surprised the "experts" at the Met didn't realise what it is. Or maybe I am not that surprised...

I hope Jens sees this thread and gives us more information on this rather unusual Katar.

Miguel · 23rd February 2017, 04:15 PM

It has the katar form but if it is a katar I would think it would cause the user some damage to the palm unless it is held in a different way than normal in which case I cannot see it being that effective. Having said that I don't know what else it could be. Jens has and still is, I believe, researching the katar and may be able to shed some light on whether or not the item in question is a katar.
Miguel

Kubur · 23rd February 2017, 04:27 PM

if i remember these are sindhi kattars
sometimes with engravings on the blade, a man with a sun
and also the birds on the handle...

Kubur · 23rd February 2017, 04:34 PM

KATAR JAMADHAR is what i have in mind...

Jens Nordlunde · 23rd February 2017, 09:36 PM

Miguel, you are right I am researching the katar as best I can, and I have four researches going at the moment, so I dont tthink I should take up more.

I can not say, from the picture, if this is a garsoe katar or not, but Miguel's comment is very good.
Its really a very odd thing.

mariusgmioc · 23rd February 2017, 10:40 PM

As Jens noted, the Katar in the original posting couldn't be effectively used as it would provide a completely inadequate grip.
However, I believe this Katar was never meant to be used.
Just by looking at the blade one can easily notice it doesn't appear to have an edge and strong tips suitable for stabbing.
So I am of the oppinion it is a purely decorative piece.

ariel · 24th February 2017, 02:04 AM

Pure IMHO:
It is not exhibited; it is kept in storage.
Who knows what the "Fletcher fund" is supposed to be...

People donate all kinds of stuff to a multitude of organizations, often for tax purposes, and the museums are stuck with them.

It is too impractical for a fighting usage and too crude and unattractive for a decorative one.

My guess it is a souvenir, and likely not old at all.

23rd February 2017, 04:34 PM	#4
Kubur Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2,145	KATAR JAMADHAR is what i have in mind... Attached Images

23rd February 2017, 04:15 PM	#2
Miguel Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 584	It has the katar form but if it is a katar I would think it would cause the user some damage to the palm unless it is held in a different way than normal in which case I cannot see it being that effective. Having said that I don't know what else it could be. Jens has and still is, I believe, researching the katar and may be able to shed some light on whether or not the item in question is a katar. Miguel

23rd February 2017, 04:27 PM	#3
Kubur Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2,145	if i remember these are sindhi kattars sometimes with engravings on the blade, a man with a sun and also the birds on the handle...

23rd February 2017, 09:36 PM	#5
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	Miguel, you are right I am researching the katar as best I can, and I have four researches going at the moment, so I dont tthink I should take up more. I can not say, from the picture, if this is a garsoe katar or not, but Miguel's comment is very good. Its really a very odd thing.

23rd February 2017, 10:40 PM	#6
mariusgmioc Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Austria Posts: 1,911	As Jens noted, the Katar in the original posting couldn't be effectively used as it would provide a completely inadequate grip. However, I believe this Katar was never meant to be used. Just by looking at the blade one can easily notice it doesn't appear to have an edge and strong tips suitable for stabbing. So I am of the oppinion it is a purely decorative piece.

24th February 2017, 02:04 AM	#7
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Pure IMHO: It is not exhibited; it is kept in storage. Who knows what the "Fletcher fund" is supposed to be... People donate all kinds of stuff to a multitude of organizations, often for tax purposes, and the museums are stuck with them. It is too impractical for a fighting usage and too crude and unattractive for a decorative one. My guess it is a souvenir, and likely not old at all.