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Ankus

ITEM # 0019
The ankus (AKA elephant goad) is a symbolic and practical tool entrenched in the cultural and religious traditions of South Asia.  It serves mahouts (elephant handlers) as an instrument for leading and controlling an elephant. Beyond its utilitarian purpose, the ankus holds symbolic significance in Hindu mythology, often associated with the deity Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.

This is a high-quality all-steel example richly decorated with gold inlay. It has a hollow haft containing six steel bells that are free to move and ring when the Ankus is used. Overal: 23 inches. Early 19th C. Very good condition. Minor loss to the gold inlay.

While not technically a weapon the Ankus is nevertheless a commonly found item in Indo-Persian arms and armor collections. 

For an almost identical example see Hales, Robert, Islamic and Oriental Arms and Armour: A Lifetime’s Passion (England, 2013) p. 335, fig. 810.

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