Ankus
| Ankus | |
|---|---|
.svg)
|
|
| Information | |
| Weapon type: | Cutting and thrusting weapon |
| Designations: | Ankus, Ancus, Fursi, Gusbar, Hendoo, Elephant Goad |
| Use: | Weapon, tool |
| Region of origin / author: |
India , elephant leader ( Mahut ) |
| Distribution: | India |
| Overall length: | about 36 cm to about 152 cm |
| Blade length: | about 6 cm to about 15 cm (tip), about 10 cm to about 20 cm (hook) |
| Blade width: | about 6 cm tip, about 2 cm (hook) |
| Blade thickness: | about 1.5 cm (hook),? (Top) |
| Handle: | Wood, metal, ivory |
| Particularities: | Many versions |
| Lists on the subject | |
The ankus ( Sanskrit : अंकुश , Aṅkuśa), also ancus , fursi , gusbar , hendoo , elephant goad , is a weapon and a tool from India. It serves as a command aid for elephants . Aṅkuśadhāra ( अंकुशधार ) is also a name for the mahout .
description
The ankus usually has a straight, leaf-shaped blade. A pointed hook is attached to the side of the blade, which is used to steer an elephant with pressure commands. The blade and the hook are attached to the shaft with the help of a grommet. The shaft is made of metal, wood, bone or ivory. In all-metal versions, the shaft is usually hollow; in these shafts there are metal bells that ring when the anku is moved . There are ankus that are made for use, but also those that are made for decoration and as an exhibition piece. The exhibition versions are often made of precious metals and decorated with precious stones. It also serves as a self-defense for the elephant handler.
Individual evidence
- ↑ George Cameron Stone : A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration and Use of Arms and Armor in All Countries and in All Times. With an introduction by Donald J. LaRocca. Courier Dover Publications, Mineola NY 1999, ISBN 0-486-40726-8 , pp. 8, 9.
literature
- Lord Egerton of Tatton: Indian and Oriental Armor. Courier Dover Publications et al., Mineola NY et al. 2002, ISBN 0-486-42229-1 , pp. 47, 69, 102, 170.
- Stewart Keith Eltringham, Jeheskel Shoshani and others: The Illustrated encyclopedia of elephants. From their origins and evolution to their ceremonial and working relationship with man. Salamander Books, London et al. 1991, ISBN 0-86101-556-8 .
- John M. Kistler, War elephants. Praeger, Westport CT 2006, ISBN 0-275-98761-2 , p. 23.