Dao (Naga sword)

Dao is the sword of the Naga people of Northeastern India, mainly in the Indian states of Assam and Nagaland. The sword, with its wooden hilt, and unique square form is used for digging as well as for killing.[1]

Dao
Assamese Dao with scabbard, 19th-century
Type	Sword
Place of origin	Northeast India
Service history
Used by	Naga people
Specifications
Mass	266.5 grams (9.40 oz)
Length	45 centimetres (18 in)-65 centimetres (26 in)
Width	5.1 centimetres (2.0 in)
Blade type	Single edge
Hilt type	wood, cane
Scabbard/sheath	wood, cane
Head type	steel

Form

The dao broadsword can be found in the northeastern region of Assam and Nagaland in India where the Naga people lives. The dao has a thick and heavy form, with length varies between 45 centimetres (18 in) to 65 centimetres (26 in). The unique design of this long backsword is that instead of a point, the tip of the sword is a bevel, creating an appearance of a squarish shape. This form is also found in the Burmese dha whose form is derived from the dao. The form of the dao was first adopted by the Kachin people. From here the form would evolve to the more elongated dha.[2]

The blade of the Dao is almost straight, with a very minimal curve that can only be discerned upon close examination. The blade is heavy and chisel-edged. It has a unique form that it is narrowest at the hilt and the gradually broaden to the endpoint.[3]

The wooden hilt has a very simple shape, without a guard or without a distinguished pommel. Bamboo root is considered to be the best material for the hilt. The grip of the handle is sometimes wrapped with basketry. Sometimes the hilt is decorated with a bronze cap at the bottom.[2] The hilt may also be made of ivory, and occasionally can be well-carved.[3]

Dao is usually carried in an open-sided wooden scabbard which is fastened to a rattan belt hoop.[3] The scabbard is centrally hollowed out on one face.[2]

Multi-function

The dao is almost the only tool that was used by the Naga people. It is used for many purposes e.g. for building houses, to clear the forest, to dig the earth, to make the women's weaving tools, and to create any kind of wooden objects. The dao is also used as a weapon.[3]

See also

• Dao (sword)
• Dha (sword)
• Boti

References

1. Burton 1987.
2. Greaves, Bowditch & Winston 2005.
3. Stone 2013, p. 203.

Cited works

• Burton, Richard F. (1987). The Book Of The Sword. London: Dover. ISBN 0-486-25434-8.
• Greaves, Ian A.; Bowditch, Mark I.; Winston, Andrew Y. (2005). "THE SWORDS OF CONTINENTAL SOUTHEAST ASIA". Ars Cives Creativity. Ars Cives Creativity. Retrieved November 15, 2017.
• Jones, Lee A. (1999). "Sword-daos of the Hill Tribes of Assam and Nagaland (northeastern India) and of the Kachin Peoples (northern Burma (Myanmar))". Viking Sword. Viking Sword. Retrieved November 15, 2017.
• Stone, George Cameron (2013). A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration and Use of Arms and Armor: in All Countries and in All Times. Dover: Courier Corporation. ISBN 9780486131290.
• van Zonneveld, Albert G. (2001). Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago. C. Zwartenkot Art Books. ISBN 9789054500049.