Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This is very special; a genuine 18th century Ankus Elephant goad and of the highest quality. It is gold encrusted with silver inlay as well as containing a series of six circular "BELLS" in the haft. It is known as an ANKUS, more commonly called an elephant goad. It measures 24 inches long, and the high degree of ornamentation suggests this example was more a work of art than a tool.

Perhaps you remember the old movies of India showing the rider of the Elephant sitting on the elephant's neck waving his ankus about no doubt sweet talking his elephant to co-operate with his desires. This weapon of course was deadly and ideal to ward off assailants as it could inflict terrible wounds.

Smothered in gold inlay in exotic designs overall with silver strips laid along it's hollow hilt/handle containing the six floating circular bells, which are thought also to be of silver, which apparently were very soothing to the elephant's ear. An extremely expensive weapon over 200 years of age most certainly from some Maharajah's household.

Ready to display

Information on the Ankus Elephant Goad:

The elephant goad, bullhook, or ankus (from Sanskrit aṅkuśa or ankusha) is a tool employed in the handling and training of elephants. It consists of a hook (usually bronze or steel) which is attached to a 60–90 cm (2.0–3.0 ft) handle, ending in a tapered end. The bullhook is associated with the abuse of elephants, when it has been used to injure or beat elephants. 

A relief at Sanchi and a fresco at the Ajanta Caves depict a three-person crew on the war elephant, the driver with an elephant goad, what appears to be a noble warrior behind the driver and another attendant on the posterior of the elephant. Nossov and Dennis (2008 p 19) report that two perfectly preserved elephant goads were recovered from an archaeological site at Taxila and are dated from 3rd century BCE to the 1st century CE according to Marshall. The larger of the two is 65 cm long.