SOUTHEAST ASIAN EXECUTIONERS SWORD

Burmese/Thai. 30” length with 21 ½” wedge section blade with crested back and hooked tip. The hilt of ivory tusk segment with tapered brass mounts embossed with traditional motifs. The sword is based on the swords for elephant combat of the Lanna Kingdom which spanned modern eastern Burma and northern Siam (modern Thailand). The Lanna Kingdom grew from the 13th to the 18th centuries, culminating in the Burmese-Siamese War of 1775-6 which resulted in Lanna independence. The form of the swords including the crested back for added weight in the percussion area and the hooked point, identify it as an executioner's weapon. It probably served to execute captives of the war as well as those guilty of civil infractions.