Central Asia, India, ca. mid to late 19th century CE. An intriguing example of a double-ended defensive weapon with a central parrying shield known as maduvu (also maru, madu, or maan kombu). The weapon is constructed from a pair of smooth juvenile blackbuck (Indian antelope) horns with brass caps on the wider ends and a thick arm that extends laterally through the midsection of the neighboring horn. A discoid brass shield is fastened to one horn via a bent iron rod, and the steel spear tips attached to each horn tip classify this weapon as a double-ended dagger. Silambam warriors utilized the maduvu through use of a low fighting position that, along with patience, could counter an opponent's blows and either disarm, incapacitate, or ultimately kill them. Size: 24" L x 6.3" W (61 cm x 16 cm)

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in April 2010; ex-Fagan Arms, Clinton Township, Michigan, USA; ex-Haggerty Museum of Art collection, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

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#151928

One spear head is removable from horn tip. Minor abrasions to horns, spear tips, brass components, and shield, with light encrustations on verso. Light earthen deposits and great patina throughout.