Pata (gauntlet sword)

Culture(hilt) Southern Indian , Thanjavur

Culture(blade) possibly European

Datelate 1500s–1600s

Mediumsteel, brass

Dimensions99.7 × 85.1 cm (39 1/4 × 33 1/2 in.), 2 lb, 14 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.33

DescriptionPossibly shortened European straight double-edge blade of flat cross-section, tapering sharply to point. On both faces, long reinforcing plates with 3 engraved lines near edges, riveted to blade with 3 rivets; the back side of the lower 2 rivets have decorative brass washers.

Gauntlet hilt with handguard recurving outward in large-toothed Naga (or Yali?)-head terminal. Gauntlet is almost triangular in shape with strong central ridge. "H"-shaped grip within side bars extends beyond Naga head with scalloped edges & small knob terminals. 2 cross-bars swollen at centers. Star-shaped rivets hold crossbars to side bars. There are traces of incised decoration overall on the hilt.
Label TextThis uniquely Indian form of sword combined weapon and armor. The pata was gripped by the crossbar inside the hilt, with the blade extending as a projection of the forearm. As European traders came to India in the 1500s and 1600s, they brought swords from the blademaking centers in Spain, Italy, and Germany. The blades of these swords not as fine as locally made examples, but they seem to have enjoyed some exotic appeal, and many were fitted into Indian-made hilts. English swords were less respected: one Indian admiral of the 1600s remarked that English blades were “only fit to cut butter.” These two pieces are exquisite examples of the decorative styles of northern and southern India. The gilded pata is decorated using the characteristic "koftgari" technique of Mughal northern India, which was heavily influenced by the cultural traditions of Persia. The gold and silver inlay is incised with fine decorative details visible only under the closest scrutiny. The south Indian pata has minimal surface decoration, relying instead on the sculptural form of the metal itself for visual effect. ProvenancePurchased by John W. Higgins on May 1, 1931 from W.O. Oldman (London, England). Given to the Museum on January 8, 1947. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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