An interesting and very rare survival of a wooden sword 'Sypha'. "A symbolic sword used since early times in ritual for a variety of purposes calculated symbolically to ensure the safe, undisturbed performance of the sacrifice. The Satapatha Brahmana describes the ritual use of the Sypha 'a straight sword or knife a cubit long, carved out of Khadire wood' "* . This sword is far longer than the general estimate of the cubit but it is surely related to these ritual pieces. All wood construction wholly painted with designs. Good condition, minor repairs to disc pommel. India, 19th century or earlier. ref*'Hindu Arms and Ritual' R.Elgood.
$795 |
