Long Sword of the Mishmi People

The Mishmi people are an ethnic group composed of several tribes residing in Arunachal Pradesh in the North East of the Indian sub-continent.  The state of Arunachal Pradesh is bordering Bhutan, China Myanmar, Assam and Naga Land. The group is composed of three main tribes: The Idu, Digaro and Miju. The blade  of the Mishmi people are  much influenced by Tibet and Bhutan blade but have a very distinctive mounts and scabbards.

The sword offered here is most probably from the Digaro Mishmi tribe. Long blade forged from laminated steel folded in the form known as hairpin folding, which is very common on Tibetan long swords. The handle is a wood square  shaped  decorated with leather strips. The scabbard  is leather covered and bound with rattan strips bound in spacing both heavily lacquered. The scabbard mounts are brass.

Blade length 25 inches. Total length 32 inches, Very good condition.   Rare and authentic tribal sword. Late 19 C.