Chhoora Afghani
Name/Title
Chhoora AfghaniEntry/Object ID
409: Full Code; 409.92.61-DG-IATags
Dagger, Silver workDescription
This is an authentic Antique Afghan Chhoora, a specialized armor-piercing dagger from the 19th century. Originating from the mountainous regions of Afghanistan and the Khyber Pass, the Chhoora is the smaller, more agile cousin of the larger Khyber Knife (Salawar Yataghan). This specimen exhibits the classic "T-spine" architecture that made these weapons legendary on the Central Asian frontier. The Blade: The straight, single-edged blade features a massive T-section spine. This design provides immense structural rigidity, allowing the slender blade to resist bending or snapping when used for powerful thrusts against heavy clothing or chainmail. The blade tapers to a needle-sharp, reinforced point. The Hilt: The handle is crafted from a dark, dense hardwood (likely walnut or ebony), shaped with a distinctive "bird's head" or hooked pommel. This ergonomic curve ensures the weapon stays locked in the hand during high-impact strikes. Ferrule & Bolster: A broad, hand-chased silver or white-metal ferrule reinforces the junction between the blade and the handle. It is decorated with dense floral and foliate carvings, a stylistic hallmark of Mahsud or Waziri craftsmanship from the Northwest Frontier Province. The Tang: It features a full-tang construction, where the steel of the blade runs the entire length of the handle, visible between the wooden scales and secured by small metal pins. - An Iconic Afghan weapon. Found through Afghanistan, Singh, Baluchistan and Kuchh.Made/Created
Date made
circa 1800 - circa 1900Time Period
19th CenturyPlace
Region
SindhEthnography
Cultural Region
Region
Norht India, SindhCulture/Tribe
Afghan, Baluch