Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Naga Konyak people, ca. early 20th century CE. A fantastical iron weapon with a sharp, curved blade edge on one side, and on the other, an unsharpened edge with a wide, three-quarter circle cut out of it about one third up its length, giving it a striking form. The lower half of the blade cuts in dramatically, forming a narrow section before it meets the handle. The haft of the blade is mounted in a round-sided, rectangular wooden handle and secured with another iron strap that is nailed in place. Wicker wraps around the upper portion of the slowly widening handle. Size: 5.125" L x 0.8" W x 28.6" H (13 cm x 2 cm x 72.6 cm)

The Naga people are a combination of tribes in northeastern India and northwestern Burma; during the time that this weapon was made, they still led a very traditional lifestyle and engaged in headhunting. This style of weapon is known as a dao, used both as a hoe and a weapon, and sometimes acquired through trading or raiding with other tribes.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired in September 2023

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#184917

Minor nicks and abrasions, with expected oxidation to blade, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina throughout.