An interesting South Indian style katar with an imported European blade.
This item has been sold.
Overall length
74 cm
Shaft length
68.4 cm
(inside nock to base head)
Arrowhead
Length 52 mm
Width 13 mm
Thick 3 mm
Weight
31 grams
36 grams
Point of balance
24.4 cm from tip
22.5 cm from tip
Origin
North India
Materials
Steel, bamboo, copper, brass, lacquer, gold, feathers, bone
Dating
Probably 18th century
Sold
Two fine Indian arrows, made for use with the Indian composite bow.
The arrowheads are shaped to resemble the Indian push dagger or katar.
The shafts are a type of mountain bamboo, often mistaken for reed but it's thicker-walled than reed would be. The tanged arrowheads are inserted and then further reinforced with bands of brass and copper.
The tail ends of the arrows are painted with designs of flowers, beautifully detailed, over a gilt background. The condition of the decoration is near-excellent, and it is the finest I have so far seen on an arrow.
There are remains of feathers, the arrows used to be three-fletched. The bulbous nocks are made of bone, painted red on the inside.
A very fine set of north Indian arrows.
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