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.