Afghan Choora (Chura)
Pashtun / Mashud / Afridi / Wazir / Shinwari
Northwest Frontier Province, British India (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan - Nangahār Province, Afghanistan)
First quarter 20th century (ca. 1925)
Steel, metal alloy, aluminum, marine ivory (walrus), wood, brass
Blade: 20,5cm
Hilt & Blade: 31,5cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 33,5cm
Collection Date: 2016
Collection Number: 74

An Afghan knife known as a chura, used by the Pashtun tribes from the Khyber Pass region. The steel blade is single- edged tapering to an acute point. Strong T- spine with engraved floral work. The blade is acid washed with floral and vine scrolls. Chased floral lacing on the white metal bolster. Hilt of marine ivory (walrus) scale grips attached by four rivets held in aluminum spacers. Brass back strap in floral design. Metal chains are attached to the pommel with small bells. Wood sheath covered in chased brass. Old repair to the sheath. A very good example likely around the first quarter 20th century, complete with sheath.

• Miloserdov, Dmitry Yurievich. 2019. “Edged Weapons of Afghanistan”. Page 206 – 218, Pages 284 – 294, 338 - 339