An Early Sinhalese Kastane
An Early Sinhalese Kastane
Kingdom of Kandy, Dutch Ceylon (Sri Lanka)
18th century
Steel, wood, brass
Blade: 42,2cm
Hilt & Blade: 57, 8cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: -cm
Collection Date: 2019
Collection Number: 384
Ex. London, UK private collection
The kastane is the traditional sword of Sri Lanka, influenced by Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic mythical styles. Later, they became more elaborate during the colonial era with lavish decoration as a symbol of rank.
This example is quite early, 18th century late Dutch period. The blade is scimitar shaped single- edged with a dark patina. The hilt of a dark wood with a sim'ha carved pommel, central grip with three fingerstalls, and an iron triangular langlet ornated with brass inlay. Forged with an iron guard formed with makara heads, flanked by another makara at the quillion terminal and a se'rape'ndiya at the end of the knuckle guard. An early example with a beautifully carved hilt.
Pinchot, Oliver S., “Arms of the Paladins”, 2014. Page 69. Cat. 4-24