Mid-19th C. Indian Blackbuck Horn & Steel Maduvu

Central Asia, India, ca. mid to late 19th century CE. An intriguing example of a double-ended defensive weapon with a central parrying shield known as maduvu (also maru, madu, or maan kombu). The weapon is constructed from a pair of smooth juvenile blackbuck (Indian antelope) horns with brass caps on the wider ends and a thick arm that extends laterally through the midsection of the neighboring horn. A discoid brass shield is fastened to one horn via a bent iron rod, and the steel spear tips attached to each horn tip classify this weapon as a double-ended dagger. Silambam warriors utilized the maduvu through use of a low fighting position that, along with patience, could counter an opponent's blows and either disarm, incapacitate, or ultimately kill them. Size: 24" L x 6.3" W (61 cm x 16 cm)

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in April 2010; ex-Fagan Arms, Clinton Township, Michigan, USA; ex-Haggerty Museum of Art collection, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

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#151928
Condition Report: One spear head is removable from horn tip. Minor abrasions to horns, spear tips, brass components, and shield, with light encrustations on verso. Light earthen deposits and great patina throughout.