Dagger thumbnail 1
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
The Himalayas and South-East Asia, Room 47a

Dagger

19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This dagger's pommel end has been carved with the kneeling figure of Hanuman, the monkey general and close ally of Rama, from the Ramayana.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Carved ivory silver and steel
Brief description
dha, figures; Arms, steel ivory silver, carved, Thailand, C19
Physical description
A dagger with a silver and steel blade. The ivory hilt is carved with the figure of Hanuman, seated on his knees with his hands folded.
Dimensions
  • Height: 35cm
  • Width: 2.8cm
Gallery label
DAGGERS (THAI: DHA) Steel and ivory Thailand ca. 19th century IM.60, 61 & 62-1937 Each dagger’s pommel end has been carved with a figure from popular Thai mythology, influenced by Indian culture. The kneeling figure with hands together is Hanuman, the monkey general and close ally of Rama, from the Ramayana. Two ogres are shown one on top of the other, while the beaked figure is the half human, half eagle Garuda who subdues coiled snakes, symbolic of the waters. DAGGERS (THAI: DHA) Steel and ivory Thailand ca. 19th century IM.60, 61 & 62-1937 Each dagger’s pommel end has been carved with a figure from popular Thai mythology, influenced by Indian culture. The kneeling figure with hands together is Hanuman, the monkey general and close ally of Rama, from the Ramayana. Two ogres are shown one on top of the other, while the beaked figure is the half human, half eagle Garuda who subdues coiled snakes, symbolic of the waters. (1/10/2008)
Object history
Bequest of Mrs R M Leonowens
Subject depicted
Summary
This dagger's pommel end has been carved with the kneeling figure of Hanuman, the monkey general and close ally of Rama, from the Ramayana.
Collection
Accession number
IM.60-1937

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Record createdFebruary 14, 2008
Record URL
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