Unusual Dha

[Chris Evans]

Hi Folks,

Jim has said it better than I could, but you lot are very knowledgeable. Great thread!

Cheers
Chris

[kahnjar1]

Hi Gavin,
Thanks for the comments. Age of these is probably best addressed by Mark, but I would have thought the all silver one is mid 20th Cent, and the other perhaps early to mid 20th Cent. They are both in great condition,--- and Mark, thanks also for your kind comments on the Shan one.

I should perhaps take this opportunity to let other members know a bit about me. I have been lurking in the wings for a little while, gleening information, mainly about Dha, but also other blades. Dha are my main interest, and to this end I owe a large debt of gratitude to Mark and his Dha Research Archive, also his patience in direct communication,where his ear has been bent several times! I DO like the term "Dhafia" which seems to be used more often lately. Who's going to design a suitable badge?? I think it fits perfectly!
I am located in Christchurch New Zealand.
Regards Stuart (kahnjar1)

[kahnjar1]

Hi Gavin,
Better angle on that other blade. Sorry about the blueish colour-getting dark here.
Stu

[kahnjar1]

Trying again so you don't need a magnifying glass!!

[kahnjar1]

Gavin has asked for info re these. I believe that we are all still learning and that is half the excitment of collecting.
As has been stated elsewhere there is very little written about these swords that appears in the general marketplace. I have found that if you search there are a number of books which refer (at least in a small way) to Dha swords and Knives.
Apart from the Dha Research Archive which is a real goldmine, try the magnificent catalogue produced by the Macau Museum subsequent to their exhibition of the History of Steel in Eastern Asia. Also there is a book by P & E Lewis entitled Peoples of the Golden Triangle. Detailed information of the various Tribes and profusely illustrated including pics of Dha. Stones Glossary also has reference to Dha, as no doubt have many other publications which I am not aware of.
The web also is worth investigating. Check a site called BURMA ISSUES or just key in the particular Tribes name. Lots of pics and historical info here.

Now to the Climbing Rope earlier in this post. If you can get hold of any old SASH CORD as used in the old type "rise and fall" house windows, it is absolutely ideal for replacing Dha Baldrics as it was of cotton weave, not nylon as in the modern stuff. Not easy to get but try your local house wrecker.
Hope this is of some use.
Stuart

[Gavin Nugent]

Thanks gents, your input and knowledge is most valuable. Much for me to say, but not a lot of time....
Mark the picture you posted with the Dha research link is that type of blade I have mostly seen on these beautiful weapons, I will look at that link more closely.
Jim, you are absolutely right, this is the place to be. As I endeavour to collect weapons that are a little "different" I know I can rely on valuable input in these forums to reveal much more about them.
Stuart, thanks for bringing your knives to light, I'd almost say our knives are twins...Thanks too for the reference points, I'll be reading lots this Christmas.

Thanks again guys, great studying with you.

Gav.

PS can anyone pinpoint a Dha in their research with a clipped point that predates the British occupation of South East Asia?

[PUFF]

Regarding to the baldrics, you may ask Cozun. He has a supplier of authentic cotton Dahb baldric from northern Thailand.

IMO: The clip point 's not very new. This piece 's about 16C-18C (central Siam, Ayuthaya period).



also this one...