Fakir's Crutch
Blade length
28,5 cm, total length 52,5 cm
Materials
steel, silver koftgari
Origin
India
Dating
mid to late 19th century
Provenance
UK art market
India, Mid to late 19th century
Indian Fakirs were not allowed to carry weapons and thus came up with their own weapons that by-passed these restrictions. They carried short crutches of which most contained a concealed stiletto type blade. Ours is of classical 'serpent' form and dates to the mid to late 19 C, 52,5 cm long, made of tubular welded steel and decorated with silver Koftgari. Handle with a makara styled monster pommel. This crutch contains a 28,5 cm concealed blade. Good condition with some superficial rust and faded silver koftgari decorations.
A Mohamatan Fakir, Drawing attributed to Gangaram Chintaman Tambat, active 1790s
Sorry...
This item is gone. Be sure to check out the available collection.
Sorry...
This item is gone. Be sure to check out the available collection.