"Scissors" Katar
Artist/Culture
Indian
Datelate 1800s
Mediumsteel with silver koftgari inlay
Dimensions40.6 × 9.8 cm (16 × 3 7/8 in.)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineGift of Mrs. E.D. Buffington
Terms
Object number1917.58
DescriptionSingle steel blade, ox-tongue type, in steel sheath of like shape; squeezing the grip opens the sheath.Label TextThe katar is a punch dagger native to South Asia, held with the fist grasping the pair of short bars. This type is unusual in that squeezing the bars together makes the external blade split open, revealing another blade inside. This triple-spike configuration might seem menacing, but it actually made the weapon more useful for defense than attack. The opened "beak" on each side was too thick to be very sharp, but the prongs could be used to trap an opponent's weapon.ProvenanceMrs. E.D. BuffingtonOn View
On viewCurrent Location
- Exhibition Location Gallery 2204
