Title
Dagger and scabbard
Year/Period
17th or 18th century
Region
Sri Lanka (Ceylon)
Object Type
Technique
Dimension
Object size: 27.5 x 4.0 x 2.0 cm
Accession No.
2015-00441
Collection of
This dagger was made in Sri Lanka (Ceylon), where they are called “piha kaetta”. The blades are usually rough and the entire dagger heavy from the weight of its extensive ornamentation of silver and brass. It would have been worn as an accessory, and its level of decoration would be an indication of its owner’s social status.The handle is carved in black coral and mounted with silver fittings. The scabbard, of rhinoceros horn, is fluted and decorated with silver and filigree details.
