Sword
Item number Edz1359 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
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- Data Source
This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.
Description
Double edged straight steel sword (a) with sharp triangular point and cast copper alloy decorations at hilt and end; handle is wood carved in straight longitudinal lines. 8 Chinese characters on one side of sword and 4 on the other. Scabbard (b) is green and black mottled lacquered wood with cast metal decorations at both ends, and 3 raised bands along body. All metal shows central symbol surrounded by floral design, rounded and/or scalloped at edges. Metal is patinated, black with green spots at hilt. Lacquer is worn, and chipped. Sword coated from both edges in dried brown liquid; rust at hilt.
History Of Use
Shaman's knife with which he would cut himself, while in a trance state. He used blood to write charms.
Cultural Context
ritual use
Iconographic Meaning
Brass decoration on hilt and scabbard feature a symbol similar to the mystic symbol 'lu', ? representative of riches.
Item History
- Made in China before 1980
- Collected before 1980
- Owned by Dorian Rae before October 31, 1980
- Received from Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) and Dorian Rae (Seller) on October 31, 1980
What
- Name
- Sword
- Identification Number
- Edz1359 a-b
- Type of Item
- sword
- Material
- copper alloy metal, lacquer, paint, fibre, wood and steel metal
- Manufacturing Technique
- forged, carved, lacquered and cast
- Overall
- height 54.8 cm, width 6.7 cm, depth 2.3 cm
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- China
Who
- Culture
- Chinese
- Previous Owner
- Dorian Rae
- Received from
- Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) and Dorian Rae (Seller)
When
- Creation Date
- before 1980
- Collection Date
- before 1980
- Ownership Date
- before October 31, 1980
- Acquisition Date
- on October 31, 1980
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0677/0007
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