Dagger. Culture: Indian, Deccan. Dimensions: H. 14 3/16 in. (36 cm); W. 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm); Wt. 12.8 oz. (362.9 g). Date: second half 17th century.Animal-head daggers came into fashion at the Mughal court in the second quarter of the seventeenth century. Horses were the most popular subject, followed by nilgai (a large antelope from India), lions, tigers, goats, and camels, usually carved from nephrite jade, serpentine, marble, or ivory. This dagger is exceptional in that its hilt is made entirely of iron. The lion's mane retains traces of silver, and its deep-set eyes were formerly jeweled. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.