Karud (long knife)

Culture Afghanistan

Datelate 1800s

Mediumsteel, walrus ivory and silver

Dimensions5.1 × 73.7 × 57.8 cm (2 × 29 × 22 3/4 in.), 1 lb, 10 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.486

DescriptionWide, single-edged, knife blade of steel tapering to an acute point. The blade is of "T"-section, with a strong, triangular back that recurves slightly over its length to the top. The cutting edge has a fine bevel on both faces and extends in a more or less straight line to about three quarters of the blade length, where it curves to the point.

Below the back, beginning at about 1/8 of the blade length below the grip, on both faces is a rather narrow, shallow fuller that extends to a point about three quarters of the blade length where it disappears. Extending from the grip itself, and running parallel with the fuller is a thin, incised line. At the bottom end of both fullers are what may be Arabic characters.

The blade is made in one with a thick tang that conforms to the shape of the grip. The lower half of the tang is encased by a pair of iron plaques. These are faceted, and form a 16-sided section above which is an incised and raised moulded band. Below this are the ivory side-pieces. Each is half-round in section, and extends straight to a curved, stylized "bird's head." No fasteners are visible on the exterior. At the end of the tang, on the axis of the grip, is a fixed loop and a free silver ring of hexagonal section. The overall execution of the piece is plain but elegant.
Label TextAfghanistan lies astride the roads that lead from Iran to South Asia, and many invaders have taken this route on their way from Persia to the Indian subcontinent. The karud was carried by tribesman of the Khyber Pass region, at Afghanistan's border with what is now Pakistan. Sometimes known as a "Khyber Pass knife," the style shows strong Persian influence. Afghanistan was the home of the Mughals, who conquered northern India in the early 1500s. Many Afghans entered the service of the Mughal emperors, and the increasing wealth of these mercenaries created a demand for finer versions of the karud, like this example. The weapon was worn thrust through a sash, rather than suspended from a belt. ProvenancePurchased by the Museum at the Macomber Sale (December 10-12, 1936) at American Art Association, Anderson Galleries (NYC), lot #355. Paid $17.50 for lot of two swords. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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