Name/Title
Kabri Dang-3Entry/Object ID
259; Full Code: 259.26.51-SC-TRTags
Staffs & CanesDescription
This is a High-Status Black Bamboo Staff, standing at an impressive 5.5 feet in length. It utilizes a rare, naturally dark variety of bamboo—likely Black Timor or fire-treated "Male" Bamboo—and is elevated with extensive engraved brass work. At this length, the artifact occupies the space between a defensive Lathi (quarterstaff) and a Barchi-S (spear shaft), representing the full-sized "Reach" tier of the Leviathan Collection.
Core Components & Historical Engineering
The Shaft (Black Bamboo): Features a slender, straight culm with a deep, charcoal-to-ebony patina.
The Process: This color is often achieved through a combination of natural genetics and a specific heat-treatment "process." In rural Gujarat and Rajasthan, bamboo is seasoned over a smokeless fire, which not only darkens the outer skin but also draws out moisture and natural starches. This makes the bamboo virtually immune to rot and insect infestation while increasing its tensile "snap."
The Engraved Brass Pommel: The head of the staff is encased in a long, cylindrical brass cap. The metal is meticulously chased and engraved with traditional "chevron and dot" geometric patterns. This serves as a primary point of balance, allowing the 5.5-foot lever to be rotated with high precision.
The Ferrule (Butt-Cap): The base is finished with a matching tapered brass ferrule. This ensures that the base of the staff—which bears the brunt of ground impact during travel—remains structurally sound and protected against fraying.
Ergonomics: The nodes of the bamboo are smoothed but remain visible, providing natural "reference points" for the hands during martial sequences.Made/Created
Manufacturer
Forests of Maharashtra (Aurangabad)Date made
circa 2020Ethnography
Cultural Region
State/Province
MaharashtraAcquisition
Acquisition Method
Purchase