RARE SOUTH INDIAN GLAIVE, 18TH-EARLY 19TH CENTURY

Finely forged iron head of heavy fighting form with curved medially ridged blade with back spike pierced for an ornament. 92 ¾” length. Tapered wood haft decorated overall in fine scroll, basket work and dart motifs. The style originated in Kandy, Shri Lanka and spread regionally. The decoration with some wear and flaking. The head crisp with gray patina.