| Place | Asia: China |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM15534 |
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Edged weapon or club |
| Place made | China |
| Date made | c 1900 |
| Conflict |
China, 1900-1901 (Boxer Uprising) Period 1900-1909 |
Chinese Exectioner's Sword : Boxer Rebellion
Description
Chinese executioner's sword featuring a single edge, curved blade. The hilt has an oval iron guard with a reinforced downward rim. The handle is bound with cord and has a tapered oval iron pommel and a collar behind the guard. The iron fittings are painted black. The broad curved blade swells out to 56 mm at the hatchet point and has two thin fullers on each side near the back edge.
History / Summary
This type of sword was used by the Boxers to despatch convicted prisoners. Prior to the execution of Chinese prisoners their pigtails were cut off close to their heads. This prevented them being hauled up to join their ancestors by their gods.