A.0015 is of Nepalese origin and comprises a sheath with two knives (figures 1 and 2). The sheath is constructed from wood, leather and organic fibre, and features embossed decoration. At the tip is a copper alloy section. The small knife, or ‘karda’ is constructed from wood and iron. The blade is curved with a single edge and hidden tang. The large knife, or ‘kukri’ is constructed from iron. The blade is broad with a single, very sharp edge, double fullers and a notch. Both handles have a flared shape. The kukri handle has a raised ring, copper alloy decoration and embossed patterns.
Figure 1
A.0015 - Kukri, Karda and Sheath
Side 1
Figure 2
A.0015 - Kukri, Karda and Sheath
Side 2
The kukri has been used in Nepal since at least the 18th Century (Gurkha Brigade, Easton 2014, part 1+2). A.0015 likely dates from the 19th Century due to the manufacturing techniques used (Easton 2014, part 1+2). The object was originally donated to the British Museum in 1960, 9 years after Nepal opened to foreign visitors (Delphine Mercier, Personal Communication January 2020). It may have been collected in this time or the earlier colonial period. There is insufficient documentation to state its origin with certainty. The notch, or ‘cho’, is likely to be Buddhist imagery (Gurkha Brigade). Its function is not fully understood. It is fairly ubiquitous, and its longevity hints at its significance. It has been suggested that it relates to the trinity of Bramah, Vishnu and Shiva (Gurkha Brigade). It is commonly speculated that it prevents blood from running onto the hand. Personally, I find this unlikely as blood does not travel exclusively on the edge of a blade.
The attachment of the blades is sound. There are no areas of deteriorated stitching on the sheath. The surface condition of the leather is good, although desiccated. There is no indication of mould or pest damage. The only existing damage is a split in the side, likely from repeated removal of the kukri. The brass section has corroded, leaving a light-brown patina. There is widespread corrosion of the knife blades (figures 3-6).
Figure 3
A.0015 Kukri Corrosion Detail (Side 1)
Potential fingerprint damage is highlighted in orange.
Figure 4
A.0015 Kukri Corrosion Detail (Side 2)
Figure 4
Potential fingerprint damage is highlighted in orange.
Figure 5
A.0015 Karda Corrosion Detail (Side 2)
There is notable accumulation of corrosion products and pitting in some areas (figure 7). Some damage appears to have been caused by improper handling, leaving fingerprints (figure 8). The kukri handle is corroded between the brass decoration (figure 9). There is very little use damage. Both edges are sharp, without brittle fractures or chips. There are some areas of erosive wear, leaving small surface scratches.
Figure 7
A.0015 DinoXcope Image (Mag. x80)
Kukri Blade Corrosion Products (Side 1)
Figure 8
A.0015 DinoXcope Image (Mag. x80)
Kukri Blade Fingerprint Corrosion Products (Side 1)
Figure 9
A.0015 DinoXcope Image (Mag. x80)
Kukri Handle Corrosion Products (Side 1)
Bibliography
Easton, M. 2014 Kukri – The Gurkha Knife of Nepal – Part 1 [Accessed 9th February 2020]
Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPSjdj82KLM
Easton, M. 2014 Kukri – The Gurkha Knife of Nepal – Part 2 [Accessed 9th February 2020]
Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXpthLnp_wM
Teague, K. 1995 Tourism, Anthropology and Museums: Representations of Nepalese Reality
Available at: https://www.jstor.org/stable/40793564
The Gurkha Brigade Association [Accessed 11th March 2020]
Available at: https://www.gurkhabde.com
The Gurkha Museum [Accessed 10th March 2020]
Available at: https://thegurkhamuseum.co.uk/category/collections/
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