Chilanum (dagger)
Culture
Southern Indian
, Deccan
Date1600s
Mediumsteel, russeted iron, silver and gold inlay
Dimensions9 × 36 cm (3 9/16 × 14 3/16 in.), 1 lb (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.484
DescriptionDouble-edge recurved blade of hollow ground section over 2/3 length with pairs of narrow axial grooves terminating in reinforced acute point. Base of blade shaped to imitate securing side-plates having pendant trefoil projections, adorned with silver and gold inlay as on the hilt. The slot for the blade in the cross-guard of the hilt is bigger than the tang of the blade, possibly suggesting alteration; there also appears to be a soldered repair in the tang within the triangular opening of the hilt between the grip and crossguard.Russeted iron hilt. Oval crossguard with dentated & perforated edges with snake-head terminals parallel to blade. Grip formed by inverted "Y" with globous swelling at center, bifurcated above with pair of recurving projections & globose terminal. Arms of hilt bent towards integral recurved knuckle guard, which it does not quite touch. Decorated overall with silver & gold floral true inlay. Significant flattening at the top of the terminal suggests reworking.
Label TextThe heavy blade of this chilanum with its raised rib design is typical of the Deccan region of southern India; the heavy point is designed to pierce mail armor.ProvenancePurchased by John W. Higgins on April 3, 1929 from Daniel Z. Noorian (NY). Given to the Museum on January 8, 1947. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view
about 1600–1650
