The
dao broadsword can be found in
Nagaland,
Manipur,
Arunachal Pradesh,
Mizoram and
Assam in the northeastern region of
India and
Kachin,
Saigaing region of Myanmar. The dao has a thick and heavy form, which varies in length from to . The unique design of this long backsword is that, instead of a point, the tip of the sword is a bevel which creates the appearance of a squarish shape. This form is also found in the Burmese
dha, which is derived from the
dao. The form of the
dao was first adopted by the
Kachin people. From here the form would evolve to the more elongated dha. The blade of the
dao is almost straight, with a very minimal curve that can only be discerned upon close examination. The blade is heavy and chisel-edged. It has a unique form in that it is narrowest at the hilt and the gradually broaden to the endpoint. The wooden hilt has a very simple shape, without a guard or without a distinguished pommel. Bamboo root is considered to be the best material for the hilt. The grip of the handle is sometimes wrapped with basketry. Sometimes the hilt is decorated with a bronze cap at the bottom. The hilt may also be made of ivory, and occasionally can be well-carved. A
dao is usually carried in an open-sided wooden scabbard which is fastened to a
rattan belt hoop. The scabbard is centrally hollowed out on one face. ==Functions==