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The long, slightly curved iron blade with sharp edges and a central ridge known affectionately by the Kachin as a"dao" is on display at the Indian Museum in Kolkata. The dao demonstrates the Kachin's user-friendly metallurgical skills: the blade fits beautifully into a wooden handle partially wrapped with strips of cane for gripping comfort and durability. Accompanying it is a scabbard that has been richly adorned with eight plaited cane bands woven at irregular intervals to exemplify superlative weaving skills. Just after the mid-position of the scabbard, a tiny waist belt made of cane decorated with red cloth ensures maximum comfort while carrying. Its unique specialized use by Kachin society extends from agriculture to house-hold. There is thus eloquent design of great significance with regard to Kachin people, their knowledge of the surroundings, and the good utilization of resources in the environment provided for them. These objects would have been the ambassadors for Kachin culture in life, skill, and identity. The study of these objects would foster our understanding of the greater tribal heritage in the region and thereby push for the salvaging of indigenous legacies for future generations.
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The long, slightly curved iron blade with sharp edges and a central ridge known affectionately by the Kachin as a"dao" is on display at the Indian Museum in Kolkata. The dao demonstrates the Kachin's user-friendly metallurgical skills: the blade fits beautifully into a wooden handle partially wrapped with strips of cane for gripping comfort and durability. Accompanying it is a scabbard that has been richly adorned with eight plaited cane bands woven at irregular intervals to exemplify superlative weaving skills. Just after the mid-position of the scabbard, a tiny waist belt made of cane decorated with red cloth ensures maximum comfort while carrying. Its unique specialized use by Kachin society extends from agriculture to house-hold. There is thus eloquent design of great significance with regard to Kachin people, their knowledge of the surroundings, and the good utilization of resources in the environment provided for them. These objects would have been the ambassadors for Kachin culture in life, skill, and identity. The study of these objects would foster our understanding of the greater tribal heritage in the region and thereby push for the salvaging of indigenous legacies for future generations.
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