Dabla,
Circular boxes with a three tiered tapering dome shaped lid, standing on three legs used in Gujarat.
Circular boxes with a three tiered tapering dome shaped lid, standing on three legs used in Gujarat.
Dablo,
The Dablo a Saurashtrain brass-container is a vessel peculiar to Gujarat and not found anywhere else in India. The height of this circular container varies from a small 15cm to a large 160 cm. It consists of a circular box resting on three hollow tapering legs. The lid is attached to the box with a dovetailed hinge. On top of the lid are usually attached two heavy brass-rings, pierced into one another. The lid is normally ornamented by embossed crisscrosses and parallel lines, circles and triangles. This box was an essential part of every Kathi and Rajput house of Saurashtra. It is said that precious ornaments and clothes were stored in these boxes and during plundering raids such boxes were lowered into wells, and they were pulled out with a rope and an iron hook after the danger had passed.
The Dablo a Saurashtrain brass-container is a vessel peculiar to Gujarat and not found anywhere else in India. The height of this circular container varies from a small 15cm to a large 160 cm. It consists of a circular box resting on three hollow tapering legs. The lid is attached to the box with a dovetailed hinge. On top of the lid are usually attached two heavy brass-rings, pierced into one another. The lid is normally ornamented by embossed crisscrosses and parallel lines, circles and triangles. This box was an essential part of every Kathi and Rajput house of Saurashtra. It is said that precious ornaments and clothes were stored in these boxes and during plundering raids such boxes were lowered into wells, and they were pulled out with a rope and an iron hook after the danger had passed.
Daggers,
The dagger, with its short blade, has always been a thrusting or stabbing weapon, unlike the long bladed sword, which could be designed not only as a thrusting weapon but also as a cutting and slashing weapon. The dagger has generally been an auxiliary weapon for soldiers and was used in close combat. It was also part of the formal attire of courtiers and other civilians.
The dagger, with its short blade, has always been a thrusting or stabbing weapon, unlike the long bladed sword, which could be designed not only as a thrusting weapon but also as a cutting and slashing weapon. The dagger has generally been an auxiliary weapon for soldiers and was used in close combat. It was also part of the formal attire of courtiers and other civilians.
Damascening,
An ancient process of ornamenting a metal surface by the use of pattern-welding. The process was used in imitation of early Middle Ages patterned swords said to be from Damascus. In the damascening process, a bar of steel and iron welded together is repeatedly drawing out, doubled back on itself, and welded together. The surface was later treated with acid to darken the steel areas. Ferrite remains bright. In the East the process of inlaying metal on metal is common, particularly in parts of Iraq and India, where it is known as Kuft work. The technique is still used for high quality shot-gun barrels. Unfortunately, the term is often misused to describe forged cast hypereutectoid steels (Wootz, Watered Steel) as the patterns can be similar although the mode of formation of the pattern is very different.
An ancient process of ornamenting a metal surface by the use of pattern-welding. The process was used in imitation of early Middle Ages patterned swords said to be from Damascus. In the damascening process, a bar of steel and iron welded together is repeatedly drawing out, doubled back on itself, and welded together. The surface was later treated with acid to darken the steel areas. Ferrite remains bright. In the East the process of inlaying metal on metal is common, particularly in parts of Iraq and India, where it is known as Kuft work. The technique is still used for high quality shot-gun barrels. Unfortunately, the term is often misused to describe forged cast hypereutectoid steels (Wootz, Watered Steel) as the patterns can be similar although the mode of formation of the pattern is very different.
Damascus Steel,
A misnomer for forged crucible steel with an internal pattern of carbides produced by the result of thermo-mechanical treatment. Although this decorative steel was sold thorough Damascus, and the value of the artefacts made of crucible steel was enhance there by the addition of gilt decoration, there is no evidence for it production at Damascus. The term has been used for both self-patterning crucible steels (watered-silk) and pattern-welded steels and has lead to considerable confusion in the older literature on the subject. In the opinion of the author (CJS) this name should no longer be used due to the past confusion.
A misnomer for forged crucible steel with an internal pattern of carbides produced by the result of thermo-mechanical treatment. Although this decorative steel was sold thorough Damascus, and the value of the artefacts made of crucible steel was enhance there by the addition of gilt decoration, there is no evidence for it production at Damascus. The term has been used for both self-patterning crucible steels (watered-silk) and pattern-welded steels and has lead to considerable confusion in the older literature on the subject. In the opinion of the author (CJS) this name should no longer be used due to the past confusion.
Dao,
The dao a sword used in Eastern India by the Nagas and other tribes; has a blade that is about 2 ½ feet in length, straight and narrow at the hilt, broad and square at the tip. It is usually set in a handle of wood. Daos are carried in wooden cases, one side of which is open where cane bands keep it in position.
The dao a sword used in Eastern India by the Nagas and other tribes; has a blade that is about 2 ½ feet in length, straight and narrow at the hilt, broad and square at the tip. It is usually set in a handle of wood. Daos are carried in wooden cases, one side of which is open where cane bands keep it in position.