Knife (<i>Matchu</i>)
Unknown Artist
18th–19th century
Medium
Steel, ivory, brass
Dimensions
H. 17 1/4 in. (43.8 cm); H. of blade 9 3/4 in. (24.8 cm); W. 2 in. (5.1 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 3 oz. (538.6 g)
Classification
Shafted Weapons
Culture
South Indian
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935
Accession Number
36.25.1280
Art Historical Context
This striking South Indian *Knife (Matchu)*, dating to the 18th–19th century, exemplifies the region's masterful arms craftsmanship. Measuring 17¼ inches in height with a 9¾-inch steel blade, this shafted weapon combines durability and elegance through its steel blade, ivory grip, and brass accents. Weighing a substantial 1 lb. 3 oz., it was designed for both practical combat and ceremonial display, reflecting the technical prowess of South Indian smiths renowned for high-carbon wootz steel, which produced blades with exceptional strength and distinctive watery patterns. In the turbulent era ...