Language: Nepali
Source: A 1931 dictionary

Description

Khisā (खिसा) is the Nepali word for a small purse that was traditionally carried in the scabbard of a khukurī.1

The purse was usually used to hold tinder consisting of the bark of the sago palm, bamboo, or plantain. The tinder was called jhulo (झुलो), literally meaning "fiber".

Other items typically stored in the khukurī scabbard alongside the main knife are:

Karda (कर्द); a small utility knife.
Cakmak (चक्मक्); a fire striker / sharpening steel.

 

Kukri with scabbard

A fine mutiny era khukurī with the khisā shown removed from its scabbard, shown on top.
Sold by Mandarin Mansion in 2020.


 

 

Further study

For a complete overview of khukurī terminology, see my article: A Nepalese khukurī glossary.

 

Notes
1. Sir Ralph Lilley Turner; A comparative and etymological dictionary of the Nepali language. London: K. Paul, Trench, Trubner, 1931.

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With iron, silver overlaid hilt. Its associated scabbard features fine quillwork.

€1800,-

Thought to have been presented by the Royal House of Nepal.

€3000,-

The scabbard carved as to closely mimic a tooled leather scabbard.

€450,-

Its scabbard with 12 pockets, with 10 of the items remaining.

€475,-

Signed: Ricky Milnes, India 44, Burma 44, Ramree 45.

€400,-

An exceptionally large example with a desirable three fullered blade.

€2200,-