Kusarigama

The kusarigama evolved from a unique tool called a jingama (camp sickle) carried by low-ranking bushi. With a curved single-edged blade attached to a wooden handle, the jingama was used to clear campsites and other tasks. The jingama was worn either stuck in the obi near the small of the back or slung over the back. Convenient in case of sudden attack, it could be used for both cutting and slashing, and even for thrusting in a stabbing motion. The weighted chain added to the jingama to make the kusarigama was derived from the konbi, a Chinese arresting weapon. With the kusurigama held in one hand, the chain and weight could be swung with the other to distract or force an opponent away, to strike, or to entangle a weapon.

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This is an Edo period kusarigama, a short sickle with a weighted chain attached. The handle is covered in raden, a traditional Japanese lacquer wood inlay using mother-of-pearl fragments from oyster shells. It also has decoratively engraved copper fittings.