Cutting edge technology

Tuhura Otago Museum guide Ashley Stewart wields an Indian pata sword. He is sharing stories of swords as both literal and figurative symbols of strength and power during a series of guided tours, taking place at 3pm each Saturday during June.

Mr Stewart said the pata, also called a gauntlet sword, first appeared about 1500AD and featured a gauntlet built into the handle.

A particular quirk of these types of swords was the handle was perpendicular instead of parallel to the blade.

The museum had a large collection of weapons from around the world including Europe, India, Japan, China and Turkey.

Although some were ceremonial weapons others had been used in battle, Mr Stewart said.