Dao Machete / Chopper of the Naga People, Assam

The Naga people of the Nagaland inhabiting the far North Eastern corner of Assam, on the border of India and Mianmar (Burma). It consist of several tribes. Their Dao choppers are used for warfare as well as for wood working and agricultural uses.

The chopper offered here is most probably coming from the Konyak  Naga people. Heavy blade  beveled sharpened. Wood haft bound with tight braided rattan strips. The haft tip is decorated with tufts of and black goat hair (Partially restored).

Blade 9 1/2 inches long, 4 1/2 inches wide. Total length 24 1/2  inches. Very good condition. Light  blackened and pitted area on one face of the blade.

Authentic, late 19 C. Chopper

 See also: Julian Jacobs, The Nagas, Hill people of North East India,  Page 243.