Elephant goad

The Ankus ( Sanskrit: अंकुश, Aṅkuśa ), also Ancus, Fursi, Gusbar, Hendoo, Elephant Goad, is a weapon and a tool from India. It serves as the command help with elephants. Aṅkuśadhāra ( अंकुशधार ) is also a name for the Mahut.

Description

The Ankus usually has a straight, leaf-shaped blade. The side of the blade a pointed hook is mounted, which serves to direct an elephant with the print command. The blade and the hook are secured to the shaft by means of a nozzle. The shaft is made of metal, wood, bone or ivory. With all-metal versions of the shaft is worked mostly hollow; in these shafts are made ​​of metal bells that are ringing on movement of Ankus. There are Ankus that are made ​​for use, but also those that are made for decoration and as an exhibition piece. The exhibition versions are often made ​​of precious metals and decorated with precious stones. It is also used for self-defense of the elephant leader.