Fine Indian Ankus (Elephant Goad).

A Very Fine Indian Ankus (Elephant Goad)
Deccan Plateau - North India (India)
Early 19th century
Elephant ivory, silver
Spike Length: 9,5cm
Hook Length: 10,8cm
Overall Length: 33cm
Collection Date: 2023


Ex. Oriental Arms: Haifa, Israel (2023) (https://oriental-arms.com/product/ankus-elephant-goad/)


An exceptional Indian ankus or elephant goad used in the handling and training of elephants by the mahout. This particular piece is a very fine example made from elaborate materials for someone who had held a high status.

The handle is beautifully aged and finely turned, carved from an elephant tusk with horizontal linear incisions. The top spike and bill hook are of solid silver (low silver), of which the hook has some etching line work in its entirety.

Although of smaller proportions, this one would have likely been used for ceremonial sessions, and its owner would have had a significant amount of wealth due to its refinement and prestige.


The last photo is of an elephant and its rider, ca. 1640, gouache with gold on paper. From the Howard Hodgkin Collection.