Description: This is not a Japanese wakizashi blade. I am going to use generic language and not Nihonto terminology to describe this as it is a native made sword. A rare sword of the Ainu people from Hokaido Island. Overall 24", 19.5" cutting edge, 1.25" width mid blade, 3/16" blade thickness at the base. Tribal engravings on both faces of blade. These engravings are reminiscent of the fins of sea mammals, ie; orcas, etc. The Ainu were religiously animistic. Many of the engravings show original red pigment. These engravings were all originally colored. This is folded steel and very probably a tempered edge though it is not visible through the surface rust. The sword is quite sharp. The peg retaining holes in the tang are hot punched. The degree of rust on the tang is quite substantial and suggests great age. I have been dealing with Nihonto since 1988 and this kind of tang rust tells me this sword is over 500 years old.There are multiple articles today stating that the Ainu had no serious metal working technology and all of their swords were purchased from trade with Honshu. These were articles written from 19th century accounts. The Ainu were completely subjugated by the Matsumae clan by the 19th century after several hundred years of resistance. THE VICTORS WRITE THE HISTORY ! All Asian cultures had folded steel technology from the Philippines through China proper. The Ainu had been trading with the residents of Honshu for a thousand years before the 1669 revolt that finally subdued their leadership. In 1457 there had been a previous war with Honshu named Koshamain's War. These conflicts were about natural resources and trade. After the 1669 revolt all Ainu weapons were confiscated and the "Legal" swords were cut off blades carried in their native made sword furniture to be status items worn by Ainu men. The Ainu were forbidden from owning offensive weapons. The last two photos are screen shots of confiscated Ainu swords stripped of their sword furniture and donated to the Shiogama Shrine at Miyagi after the 1669 revolt. The last photo shows a modern reenactment of the traditional Ainu sword dance.
Price: 550 USD
Location: Saint Augustine, Florida
End Time: 2025-02-12T21:54:51.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Material: Iron
