Code IP25
This is provisionally identified as a tool dao, probably used for agriculture, originating with the Konyak Naga tribe in the region of Assam or Nagaland (see map). The blade shape is also similar to a machete-type called “luki” from Java in Indonesia and other tools of similar shape and size are found across South East Asia
The Konyaks, like most Naga tribes, were not skilled smiths. The metal is a poor quality steel. In addition to showing the wear of use and time, the blade of this dao has numerous forging flaws and is generally unrefined. The blade has a crack, probably caused by hitting something harder than the iron, e.g., a rock in the soil. The hilt may or may not have been created by the Konyaks. It bears some resemblance to those of the Shan tribe who reside in an elongated region near the border with China, extending through Burma, Thailand and Laos. The Konyaks were primarily found in the north eastern portion of Assam, near the border with Burma. They are also referred to as the “Naked Nagas”.