Interesting implement

[Berkley]

I’ll suggest an alternative hypothesis, taking into account some clues related to the original Met exhibit.
The provenance shows the “implement” was obtained some 35 years ago from a named individual. Google search indicates that the named individual is possibly Iranian, and was the president of an oriental carpet company at about the time of the Met’s acquisition.
Although we are all programmed to see such an implement as a weapon, we have agreed that its design is very unsuitable for that purpose. Given its provenance, is it unreasonable to think of it as an elegant tool for use in trimming or shaping sumptuous knotted rugs?
Take another look at what seems to me to be a much more comfortable and useful approach to using the “implement”:

[Miguel]

Most interesting hypothesise which I would go along with as it ticks the boxes. The peacock was also a symbol in Persia. Well done Holmes.
Miguel

[Jim McDougall]

I agree with Miguel.
Berkeley, a most compelling theory, and nice research to bring in the Persian rug making angle! I would never have thought of this as such an implement, but this makes perfect sense.

[ariel]

For that, the inner edges of the forked blade should have been razor-sharp. On the object they look dull and horribly uneven.
And didn't Iranian carpet makers have just scissors?

I am glad that Jum agrees with me about its age.

We all have "walls of shame" in our collections. Why would Met be an exception?

Iranian carpet traders can spin provenance stories more fabulous than Chinese E-Bayers:-)

My hypothesis is more pedestrian, but the Occam Razor still cuts quite well.

[mariusgmioc]

[QUOTE=Berkley]I’ll suggest an alternative hypothesis, taking into account some clues related to the original Met exhibit.
Given its provenance, is it unreasonable to think of it as an elegant tool for use in trimming or shaping sumptuous knotted rugs?
Take another look at what seems to me to be a much more comfortable and useful approach to using the “implement”:

Interesting hypothesis, but I have visited a few carpet workshops that use ancient tools and technique and didn't see anything like this.

Besides, you can google "tools used in carpet making" and won't get anything that looks alike.

[Jim McDougall]

Well it sounded like a plausible idea, and I am always open to any thoughts especially when reasonably deduced and supporting factors presented.
On the other hand, looking at what might have been the purpose, and noting no sharpened edges etc. the thinking moves back to votive item as originally proposed seems better.

I do very much like these kinds of exchanges where everyone presents ideas and views without friction and keeping open minds. This way we can all evaluate evidence and ideas to form opinions.

[Berkley]

Jim, thanks for your steady hand on the tiller.
I am reminded of an old saying I learned in the Caribbean: "Some days chicken, some days feathers."

[Jim McDougall]

Thank you so much Berkley! and I very much like the analogy 'steady hand on the tiller'!
As we navigate the treacherous waters of extremely murky arms and armour investigation, classification and history, there are most definitely challenges.
I think it is always responsible and prudent to change course as required with regard to perspective and theories and as more supporting material becomes available.
We all learn a heck of a lot here as we bounce these things around!!!

[ariel]

Here is another one from Rajastan, ended on e-bay. The seller was kind enough to label it as " wall decorative"