page_title: Ram-dao
hierarchical_section_title: Ram-dao
caption_attribution_description: Indian, Bengali and Nepalese; Sacrificial Sword (Ramdao); Shafted Weapons
context_page_description: Ram-dao are traditional sacrificial swords used in the Hindu ritual sacrifice of animals. The large, curved blade is designed to decapitate a sacrificial animal in a single stroke. Ram-daos are used in a hacking swing and are distinct from both the Chinese Dao and the Naga Dao swords which were traditionally used as slashing weapons. The swords hilt and blade were often adorned with precious stones and metals. The sword was also embellished with religious imagery, symbols, and texts. This type of ritual sword was used widely by cultures in multiple regions including: Assam, Bengal, East India, Nepal, and North India.
context_section_description: Ram-dao are traditional sacrificial swords used in the Hindu ritual sacrifice of animals. The large, curved blade is designed to decapitate a sacrificial animal in a single stroke. Ram-daos are used in a hacking swing and are distinct from both the Chinese Dao and the Naga Dao swords which were traditionally used as slashing weapons. The swords hilt and blade were often adorned with precious stones and metals. The sword was also embellished with religious imagery, symbols, and texts. This type of ritual sword was used widely by cultures in multiple regions including: Assam, Bengal, East India, Nepal, and North India.
caption: A Ram-dao on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
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