Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This is very special; a genuine era 19th century Ankus Elephant goad of very high quality. Mad mostly of iron and steel, the haft and blade were both originally covered in silver inlay. The haft has had much of the inlay wear off, but the blade still has almost all of the highly decorative inlay intact. It has tarnished over time, and looks blue now. We have left it uncleaned to avoid disturbing the lovely patina.

This example measures 19 3/4 inches long, with a 6 inch long ornate blade, and the high degree of ornamentation suggests this example was more a work of art than a tool. It also has a very nice brass decorative hilt, which looks to be an animal spouting water or fire from its mouth.

Perhaps you remember the old movies of India showing the rider of the Elephant sitting on the elephant's neck waving his ankus about no doubt sweet talking his elephant to co-operate with his desires. This weapon of course was deadly and ideal to ward off assailants as it could inflict terrible wounds.

This was probably owned by some well off household, used for ceremonial occasions.

Ready to display!

Information on the Ankus Elephant Goad:
The elephant goad, bullhook, or ankus (from Sanskrit aṅkuśa or ankusha) is a tool employed in the handling and training of elephants. It consists of a hook (usually bronze or steel) which is attached to a 60–90 cm (2.0–3.0 ft) handle, ending in a tapered end. The bullhook is associated with the abuse of elephants, when it has been used to injure or beat elephants. 

A relief at Sanchi and a fresco at the Ajanta Caves depict a three-person crew on the war elephant, the driver with an elephant goad, what appears to be a noble warrior behind the driver and another attendant on the posterior of the elephant. Nossov and Dennis (2008 p 19) report that two perfectly preserved elephant goads were recovered from an archaeological site at Taxila and are dated from 3rd century BCE to the 1st century CE according to Marshall. The larger of the two is 65 cm long.