Language: Nepali
Source: A 1931 dictionary

Description

Kã̄jo (काँजो) is the Nepali word for the bolster of a khukurī.1

It literally means: "A band of metal (e.g. round the handle where the blade of a khukri or sickle is sunk into it); hilt of a khukri or sword."

khukurī bolsters are usually made of iron, but precious metals like silver and gold are also encountered on higher-quality pieces.

 

Kukri bolster called kajo

Kã̄jo on a fine mutiny era khukurī.
Sold by Mandarin Mansion in 2020.

 

Group of khukuri

A group of khukurī with bolsters made of various materials.
Left to right: Iron, paktong, iron, iron, iron, silver, gold, iron, iron, iron, iron with brass inlay.

 

For a complete overview of khukurī terminology, see my article: A Nepalese khukurī glossary.

 

Notes
1. Sir Ralph Lilley Turner; A comparative and etymological dictionary of the Nepali language. London: K. Paul, Trench, Trubner, 1931.

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