Belt with wooden sheath and "dao" knife ·  India, Naga · ID: 3036899

Description

decorated with small abrus beans, knife with iron blade, the upper part decorated with bunches of goats hair dyed in red and black, min. dam., traces of usage and corrosion;
the “dao” is both a cutting tool and a weapon and is ever present in Naga life. They need it to clear the jungle for new farmland, to build new dwellings or kill and divide the animals they eat, challenge enemies, either men or beasts, carve wood, make tools or face the various daily needs. The “dao” is carried on the back in a wooden case tied to the waist, the blade pointing downwards.

Comparing literature

Kunz, Richard, Naga, Basel 2008, p. 71