Protective Knife and ‘Yantra’ Set

‘YANTRA’ CLOTH: From our private collection, this came from a former tattoo master in northern Thailand. He could have used it several ways: it contains diagrams (‘yantra’) that could be tattooed; it could have served as a sacred mat on which to sit while undergoing the tattoo process; additionally it could have been also worn around the waist as a sash by the tattoo master. Generous in size, it is covered with hand drawn diagrams in many varieties, as well as text and symbols in the old Lan Na script. Our tattoo master was age 76 when he retired ten years ago due to failing eyesight; we’re told that he got this cloth from his teacher, another tattoo master. The condition reflects its age and use: there are some holes, stains (blood?), and soil. This is an authentic and rare textile with an interesting provenance. It is included with an old knife which was kept with it on a special altar when the cloth was not in use.

KNIFE: This unusual knife was not used as a functional knife, but was a symbol of protection and invulnerability. Items placed on home altars are often left untouched for decades, and the condition reflects this. This short knife has a wood scabbard with painted decoration and a turned wood handle; the steel blade has rusted from lack of use.

Sizes:
Cloth: 64 in. x 35 in.
Knife: OA: 22.25 in.; Handle: 6.75 in.; Blade: 12.25 in.

$540.00 the set