This peculiar sword was used by the Garo people of Assam for fighting, clearing the jungle, and animal…

44 cm
21.7 cm
Base 4.5 mm
Middle 4.5 mm
Reinforced tip 10 mm
Base 74 mm
Middle 46 mm
691 grams
Rajasthan, North India
Iron, wootz steel, gold
18th century
Description
A rather fine katar of the 18th century. It features a strong blade of wide proportions with a sunken panel, exhibiting a bold and high contrast wootz pattern. At the base of the blade is chiseled a stylized flower, the quality of the carving is exquisite.
The hilt with two slightly swollen handlebars sprouting from square bases. Its surface entirely damascened in two tones of gold. The work is very fine, much finer than usually encountered.
In fair condition. Some losses to the gold, see photos. Blade in very good condition.
An impressive piece with a strong presence, exhibiting fine workmanship.
These mysterious weapons were already obsolete when the first ethnographers encountered them.
A 19th-century type with an etched blade, simulating patterned steel.
Of jambiya form, with pattern welded blade and fine silver scabbard mounts.