Iron with tapered tubular haft with four retaining rings. Iron head with a lower hook, tapered fore spike, and small back lug. The butt is a fully modeled bronze tiger consuming its prey. The iron with silver koftgari decoration throughout, worn and about 50% present. 18" length. Mahouts were prohibited from carrying weapons so the ankus served multiple purposes. Whether riding or afoot, it directed the elephant to his command. It also served as a spacer when passing between the elephant and a wall or another beast. In addition, it was the mahout’s weapon of self-defense.
