Knife, Sheath

Knife, Sheath

Sikh Kirpan

Sikh kirpan and belt; The belt is object a; the knife is object b; the sheath is object c. The belt is cotton fabric black with gold thread decoration looped in a circle with a small black loop to hold the knife. The knife is silver in color (possibly steel?) simple blade design with curved handle. The Sheath is the same silver color material as the knife with brown decoative siding embellished with the same silver color metal decorations on top of the brown. The tip of the sheath curves sharply away and forms an elongated point. Kirpan is one of the 5 K's or 5 Panj Kakars in the Sikh religion. the sword is the emblem of courage and self-defence. It symbolises dignity and self-reliance the capacity and readiness to always defend the weak and the oppressed. It helps sustain one's martial spirit and the determination to sacrifice oneself in order to defend truth oppression and Sikh moral values. A symbol of dignity and the Sikh struggle against injustice. It is worn purely as a religious symbol and not as a weapon. When all other means of self protection fail the Kirpan can be used to protect yourself or others against the enemy. This article of faith most closely resembles a sword in a metal sheath and wrapped in a fabric holster . The word Kirpan itself means "mercy grace or magnanimity". The Kirpan is most often worn close to the skin of the body underneath clothing and is kept in place by a strap around the shoulder and torso attached in place by the fabric holster .

2008.005.002