Sri Lankan Kastane
The Kastane – A Sword of Heritage and Craft
When my family left Sri Lanka in 1975, my father sought to bring a piece of home with him to Australia. His search led us through antique dealers across Colombo, where he collected furniture and cultural artefacts that carried the spirit of the island.
On one of those trips, we came across this sword—and from that moment, I was captivated.
This is a traditional Kastane, a ceremonial dress sword once carried by noblemen of the Kingdom of Kandy, the last stronghold of Sinhalese culture before the British annexation in 1815. Even as a teenager, I knew it was something extraordinary. After a robust round of nagging and pleading, my father relented, and it became my sword.
The Kastane is not simply a weapon—it is a work of art. The hilt, richly adorned in silver and gold, features the iconic Sinhalese lion, its eyes set with rubies. This lion, or sinha, remains a powerful national symbol, proudly displayed on the Flag of Sri Lanka. Every curve and detail reflects a tradition where craftsmanship and identity are inseparable.
Over time, the original iron blade was electroplated—likely an attempt to preserve it and enhance its appearance. While well-intentioned, it masks the character of the original steel, and I am now exploring ways to carefully restore it without disturbing the surrounding workmanship.
What continues to hold my attention, however, is the extraordinary finesse of the silversmithing. The hilt and scabbard are executed with a delicacy that feels almost impossible to replicate. As someone who has transitioned from photography into metalwork, I have a deep appreciation for the skill required—particularly when even achieving perfect symmetry in simple materials can be a challenge.
Even the accompanying sash is remarkable, woven with gold thread into a fabric worthy of the nobleman who would have once worn it.
This Kastane is more than an object in my collection. It is a connection to heritage, to craftsmanship at its highest level, and to a moment in time when I first understood the power of a beautifully made blade.
