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| Naginata (なぎなた, 薙刀) | |
|---|---|
 A naginata blade forged by Osafune Katsumitsu. Muromachi period, 1503, Tokyo National Museum | |
| Type | Polearm |
| Place of origin | Japan |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Samurai, Onna-musha, Naginatajutsu practitioners |
| Production history | |
| Produced | Heian period or Kamakura period until present. |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 650 grams (23 oz) and more |
| Length | 205–260 centimetres (81–102 in) |
| Blade length | 85–100 centimetres (33–39 in) |
| Blade type | Curved, single-edged |
| Hilt type | wood, horn, lacquer |
| Scabbard/sheath | Lacquered wood |
The naginata (なぎなた, 薙刀) is a polearm and one of several varieties of traditionally made Japanese blades (nihontō).[1][2] Naginata were originally used by the samurai class of feudal Japan, as well as by ashigaru (foot soldiers) and sōhei (warrior monks).[3] The naginata is the iconic weapon of the onna-musha, a type of female warrior belonging to the Japanese nobility. A common misconception is that the Naginata is a type of sword, rather than a polearm.
- ^ Manouchehr Moshtagh Khorasani (2008). The Development of Controversies: From the Early Modern Period to Online Discussion Forums, Volume 91 of Linguistic Insights. Studies in Language and Communication. Peter Lang. p. 150. ISBN 978-3-03911-711-6.
- ^ Evans Lansing Smith, Nathan Robert Brown (2008). The Complete Idiot's Guide to World Mythology, Complete Idiot's Guides. Penguin. p. 144. ISBN 978-1-59257-764-4.
- ^ Thomas A. Green, Joseph R. Svinth (2010). Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia of History and Innovation. ABC-CLIO. p. 158. ISBN 9781598842449.