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Dao (Naga sword)
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| Dao | |
|---|---|
 Artistic impression of the Naga/Mizo Dao | |
| Type | Sword |
| Place of origin | Northeast India |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Naga people and Mizo people |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 266.5 grams (9.40 oz) |
| Length | 45 centimetres (18 in)-65 centimetres (26 in) |
| Width | 5.1 centimetres (2.0 in) |
| Blade type | Single edge |
| Hilt type | wood, cane |
| Scabbard/sheath | wood, cane |
| Head type | steel |
Dao is the sword of the Naga people and Mizo people of Northeastern India, mainly in the Indian states of Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur and Assam. The sword, with its wooden hilt, and unique square form is used for digging as well as used in historical warfares. In modern times, it is generally used for cutting meat and wood.[1]
Form[edit]
The dao broadsword can be found in Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Assam in the northeastern region of India where the Naga people and Mizo people live. The dao has a thick and heavy form, which varies in length from 45 centimetres (18 in) to 65 centimetres (26 in). The unique design of this long backsword is that, instead of a point, the tip of the sword is a bevel which creates the appearance of a squarish shape. This form is also found in the Burmese dha, which is derived from the dao. The form of the dao was first adopted by the Kachin people. From here the form would evolve to the more elongated dha.[2]
The blade of the Dao is almost straight, with a very minimal curve that can only be discerned upon close examination. The blade is heavy and chisel-edged. It has a unique form that it is narrowest at the hilt and the gradually broaden to the endpoint.[3]
The wooden hilt has a very simple shape, without a guard or without a distinguished pommel. Bamboo root is considered to be the best material for the hilt. The grip of the handle is sometimes wrapped with basketry. Sometimes the hilt is decorated with a bronze cap at the bottom.[2] The hilt may also be made of ivory, and occasionally can be well-carved.[3]
Dao is usually carried in an open-sided wooden scabbard which is fastened to a rattan belt hoop.[3] The scabbard is centrally hollowed out on one face.[2]
Multi-function[edit]
The dao is almost the only tool that was used by the Naga people and Mizo people. It is used for many purposes e.g. for building houses, to clear the forest, to dig the earth, to make the women's weaving tools, and to create any kind of wooden objects. The dao was also used as a weapon in historical warfares.[3]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ↑ Burton 1987.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Greaves, Bowditch & Winston 2022.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Stone 2013, p. 203.
Cited works[edit]
- Burton, Richard F. (1987). The Book Of The Sword. London: Dover. ISBN 0-486-25434-8.
- Greaves, Ian A.; Bowditch, Mark I.; Winston, Andrew Y. (2005). "THE SWORDS OF CONTINENTAL SOUTHEAST ASIA". Ars Cives Creativity. Ars Cives Creativity. Retrieved November 15, 2017.
- Jones, Lee A. (1999). "Sword-daos of the Hill Tribes of Assam and Nagaland (northeastern India) and of the Kachin Peoples (northern Burma (Myanmar))". Viking Sword. Viking Sword. Retrieved November 15, 2017.
- Stone, George Cameron (2013). A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration and Use of Arms and Armor: in All Countries and in All Times. Dover: Courier Corporation. ISBN 9780486131290.
- van Zonneveld, Albert G. (2001). Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago. C. Zwartenkot Art Books. ISBN 9789054500049.
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