Bhuj Dagger: Kutch-Gujarat, India, 19th century

Bhuj Dagger: Kutch-Gujarat, India, 19th century.
Steel inlaid with silver and gold.
It has a green velvet sheath.
There are cracks in the sheath.
Measurements: 60 x 10 x 4 cm; 63 x 10 x 4 x 4 cm (sheath).
Indian dagger known as Bhuj. Name taken from the capital of the state of Kutch in Gujarat, India. Also known as an axe or elephant dagger, it is a type of dagger with a unique shape, not only because of the simple S-shaped edge, but also because of the mount itself, which is always made on the elephant's head, which is the symbol of victory. At the intersection with the blade, the shaft is topped with a gem-set elephant's head and above it, the figure of a hunter and a tiger protruding in a rounded bulge, giving the piece a sophistication typical of the weapons of high military ranks. The holster, which is still original, is made of a wooden core and covered with green velvet. As is common in this type of axe or dagger, the hilt is decorated with the same Koftgari gold, into which a "gandasa" knife has been screwed, which can be removed by turning the knob at the end in the shape of a lotus flower. There is also an example of similar characteristics, dating from the 18th century, in the prestigious collection of arms of Jorge Caravana in Portugal.