Thai Ayutthayan Period Narai Hok Spear

Status: Sold · Region: China, East Asia, Tibet · Type: Armor

A rare Thai narai hok foot officers spear, though this example likely was carried by an officer judging by the decoration at the spear collar and the crossguard. The iron spearhead is in original condition and appears to be laminated and of traditional spatulate form with a square cross-section at the base.

The fine carved wooden shaft is in excellent condition and is made in the finest style with a carved bamboo like shape, with small bug-like lozenges around the circumference of each section. The spearhead collar is carved brass with floral designs in the Ayutthaya style, and has a few dents from age, but is in untouched condition. The shaft has a repair near the bottom, but is entirely structurally sound.

The crossguard is an unusual type with a floral incised pattern and an eight petaled lotus flower shape. This distinctive detail is a reference to the homonym "Narai" which is a reference from the Sanskrit Narayana, and the Thai name for the Hindu god Vishnu. According to myth, Vishnu (Narai) arranged that a lotus flower be born from a womb with eight petals and 133 pistils. The blade of this Narai Hok emerges from the eight petaled flower as a deadly symbol, and thus provides the name for this spear "Narai Hok." (See Baker and Phongpaichit 2016).

Reference:
Baker,C. and Phongpaichit, P. (eds) (2016) The Palace Law of Ayutthaya and the Thammasat: Law and Kingship in Siam. Cornell University