The blades of many cultures are decorated with holes. A hole may pierce the blade entirely or not. We know that some holes have symbolic meanings and others are purely esthetic. Holes may or may not be plugged with a particular metal such as brass, gold or copper. Inset brass dots are found on blades from many regions. In some cases, quite a bit is known about the meaning of holes. In other cases, there are informed theories or speculation.
It is important to remember that the placing of brass dots, application of marks, use of design motifs and so on is particular to the smith and individual ordering the weapon in a particular time, place and cultural context.
The size, configuration or relative arrangement of holes and dots on blades may or may not have special meaning. A modern interpretation of the brass is a matter of inquiry. Theories include inset brass dots as
- esthetic aspects of an overal design,
- maker’s marks,
- signifiers of quality,
- symbolic significance,
- imparting talismanic, or magical properties to a weapon. (See Alloys, Brass and Copper)
EUROPE
In Europe, the placing dots of brass (or other metals) evolved from an ancient practice in early Frankish blades. In some cases, these ancient dots were arranged to form specific symbols. Sometimes a dot was simply a gold nail. The practice spread to numerous other areas, perhaps as a result of the influence on local designs brought by trade.
INDIAN SUBCONTINENT
It has been proposed that inset brass dots in India were placed strategically to add apotropaic (anti-magical) properties to the iron in the blade. in some cases there are many dots, arranged in patterns of threes. These may represent the trimurti (trinity of three), an important attribute in many faiths. The trimurti configuration on Indian blades often appears on strategic locations on blades, such as at terminus of fullers and blade root.
Indian steel and weapons, such as jambiyas, often made their way to Africa as important trade items. Both Arab and Persian smiths and other communities were present in India and may have learned the practice there.
NORTH AFRICA, ARABIA AND THE MIDDLE EAST
In the Arabian Penninsula the practice of inset brass dots is very rare. A local contact in Yemen of one collector reported that dots appearing on jambiya in the “poison” area of the blade are supposed to signify the number of kills by the blade. This explanation appears in other regions as well, and also in reference to holes in the blade (which may or may not have held a brass inset at one time). The theory should be regarded as highly speculative, even a myth invented long after the fact by locals and collectors.
The religious belief that iron and steel of a blade causes death is well known in North Africa (e.g., Tuareg) and led to the use of brass to protect a person’s hand from touching the metal.
INDONESIA
The Indonesian Kudi / Kujang has a feature called “Mata” (“eyes”) or “Waruga". These are small holes found on the blade. Initiallty, Waruga were covered/plugged with metal or precisious stones. The shape of the Kujang envisioned by Kudo Lalean around the year 1170 was intended to conform to the shape of the island of “Djawa Dwipa”, as Java was called in those days. The other major feature of this kujang was the presence of three holes to represent the Trimurti, the three aspects of the godhead of the Hindu religion (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva).
Later, the kujang shape evolved, especially with the infuence of Islam. Initially, five holes (or round notches) in the kujang replaced the three of the Trimurti. They represented the five pillars of Islam. Subsequently additional holes were added as a symbol of the status / stage of the wearer. At least one waruga and at most nine are typical. A blade without waruga is called "blind")
- Kujan Ciung mata-9: only used specifically the King
- Kujang Ciung mata-7: Used by Mantri Anom Dangka and the King
- Kujang Ciung mata-5: Girang used by Seurat, Pamingkis Regents and the Regents Pakuan
KALIMANTEN / BORNEO
The Mandau of the Dayak tribes of Borneo are decorated with holes that may or may not be filled. Empty holes may also present along the top edge of a blade. The mandau of the inland Dayak tribes (Penan and Kayan) feature "lantak paku”, ten small inlaid circles of brass, two next to each other in five groups aligned near the edge of the blade.
THE PHILIPPINES
One of the five types of Kampilan described by Robert Cato (see Kampilan Blade Terminus Variants) typically has five holes, often plugged with brass, along the spine near the tip. Although theories vary, they are likely to represent the five pillars of Islam.
CHINA
Chinese jian swords often have inset brass dots. A configuration of seven dots represents the celestial “big dipper” in the great Bear constellation. Celestial features are very important in Chinese faiths and traditions. This practice is reported related to martial arts and an ancient historic warrior who carried a sword with that pattern. Chinese smiths traveled for work in various southeast Asian regions and the practice of insent brass dots likely spread as a result of their influence. The feature of seven brass dots may also refer to a fabled blade-making area in Chine known as the “seven wells.”
AFGHANISTAN
Holes are sometimes found on the Khyber Salawar, the sword favored by the Pathan tribe in the region of the Khyber Pass. The holes may be through the blade or only partial. The meaning of both types, if any, is unknown.
ASSAM
The dao of the Kabui Naga is pierced with two holes, one near the tip and one in the middle. These are designed to allow brightly colored tassels to be hung on the sword during traditional dance.
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