£80
A MALAYAN LAWI AYAM OR 'COCKS TAIL FEATHER' KNIFE. The 12 cm blade tightly curved, on a handle carved in the form of a tiger's head, the open mount with projecting teeth to form the grip. 20 cm. "The Cocks Tail Feather knife is said to originate in West Sumatra. According to folklore it was inspired by the claw of a big cat. A weapon of the farming peasantry it possibly started out as a farming implement. It was popular among woman who would tie the weapon into their hair to be used in self defence. Even in modern times the Silat practitioners still regard it as a female weapon. Gardener suggests that this is essentially an assassins weapon who states: The Lawi Ayam is a small hooked knife used for ripping the bowels. It is a very horrible weapon when used on anyone with light clothing, but European clothes, especially leather belts, are some protection. There is usually a hole in the hilt. In this the forefinger is inserted and the weapon held so that the blade projects upwards from under the little finger. It is used with an upward stroke'.
Some light pitting to the blade. Collection number.
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