Author(s)
Peter Dekker
First published
6 November 2022
Last updated
6 November 2022
Language: Khasi
Source: In common use
Description
Waitsum literally means "spear sword" in the Khasi language.
It is a peculiar type of two-handed, single-edged sword with all-steel construction and double crossguards. It is known in the English speaking world as Khasi dao, named after the Khasi people of the Khasi hills, but the weapon was in wider use in the region.
Similar swords have been observed in use by the Ao Nagas as part of a larger group of archaic large sword forms used in ceremonies.1
A typical example.
Mandarin Mansion inventory 2022.
