Kastane Kastane (or Kastana , Kasthana ) is a short single-edged Sri Lankan sword. They are not considered a weapon used in war but decorated swords used as a part of the ceremonial dress to indicate the status of officers. The swords with highly decorated gilt handles and sheaths usually belonged to the kings and chieftains of the royal court.
Kastane can be considered as an example that reveals the skills of Kandyan craftsmanship. The decorated pommel in the shape of an open-mouthed lion is a special feature of this kind of sword. Often, the tongue of the lion juts out and its eyes are embedded with precious stones. In certain swords the motif Serapenda has been used for the pommel. Usually, the base of the sword, as well as the sheath (scabbard), are decorated with gold, silver, or copper carvings. The hilt is normally made out of wood filled with carved gold or silver plates. The curved end of the sheath is in the form of a bird's head. A 19th century Kastane from Russia to Sri Lanka
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