Southeast Asia, Cambodia, Khmer Empire (Angkor culture), ca. 800 to 1300 CE. A short sword or dagger with an iron blade and a round, thick bronze handle with a disc guard. The rounded pommel has a molded motif that looks like an abstract flower or possibly a beetle. From the Angkor period onward (after 800 CE), it seems likely that southeast Asia underwent a great deal of conflict; inscriptions, reliefs, weapons deposited as grave goods, and bioarchaeology all attest to a history of fighting and war. This sword is almost certainly related to that history. For example, excavations at the cemetery at Phum Snay have uncovered a wide range of weapons in many graves; while most were male, some belonged to females. Unfortunately, we currently have only fragmentary evidence for warfare and sword manufacture in the Khmer Empire because of the ravages of the Khmer Rouge on records of Cambodia’s history. Size: 13.75" L x 2" W (34.9 cm x 5.1 cm)

Provenance: the late John Piscopo collection, San Diego, California, USA

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#128434

Blade is corroded and fragile with flaking to the metal surface. The handle is in nice condition, with a pretty blue-green patina and light encrustation.