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1 of 253523 objects
Sword and scabbard 1800-75
Copper alloy, tortoiseshell, possibly horn | 62.6 x 9.4 x 3.2 cm (whole object) | RCIN 11310
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A ceremonial sword from Sri Lanka known as a kastane. The one-edged blade made of bronze inscribed with a dedication to Albert Edward, Prince of Wales from the donor. The hilt carved out of tortoiseshell and horn, which terminates in the head of a makara, a dragon-like mythical creature associated with Hindu iconography. The scabbard made of skilfully carved tortoiseshell plaques.
This type of sword was associated with the Kingdom of Kandy, where the rulers were patrons of workshops that specialised in making kastanes.
Provenance
Presented to King Edward VII, when Prince of Wales, during his tour of India in 1875-76 by Christoffel Henricues Dias Bandaranaike, Mudaliyar of Siyane Korale East in Ceylon [Sri Lanka]. The 'Mudaliyars' were a class of Ceylonese people who acted as intermediaries between European traders in Ceylon and the Kings of Kandy.
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Creator(s)
(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Copper alloy, tortoiseshell, possibly horn
Measurements
62.6 x 9.4 x 3.2 cm (whole object)
Category
Object type(s)
