Spear ID?

[Titus Pullo]

Originally Posted by PUFF

Some of Thai books mention about "Howk" on elephant 's back. I asked Khun Bancha, an expert/collector of Dahb Thai. He told me that most weapons on the elephant are pole-arms. Beside using as weapons, hey also function as a signal (similar way to flags). Footmen 's spear 's unlikely but possible to be there as a signaling item. Another possibility is "Hawk" refers to "HowkSaad", which means throwing spear. I still need to see another expert for more information though .

Since you show a pic of war elephant, I like to mention that elephants were not used as tank to break through enemies' lines because they were difficult animals to control, and when they get hurt, noone is safe...not even your soldiers. they kill everyone insight...literally! Rather, I think they were as vehicle for the king and people protecting him. As you can see, they don't bow and arrows on elephants neither. I think this is because if they make themselves targets, your enemies would most likely try kill your elephants by disemboweling them. They get underneath them after, ofcourse, having to fight through guards, guarding the elephants.

[Andrew]

PUFF, thank you for sharing your experience and information with us! Once again, you have helped answer questions we would only be able to guess at previously.

Please thank your friend, Khun Bancha, for his help as well. It would be fantastic to have him join the forum.