Indian Chain Flail or Whip, Based

Dozens of iron chains hang from the head, each one ending in a small leaf-shaped tip.

This chain flail or whip comes from Uttar Pradesh, India, and dates to the late 17th or early 18th century. It is metal, and is mounted on a base. Flails were used across the Indian subcontinent, though many surviving chain examples are generally thought to have been ceremonial or devotional rather than military. The head is a ribbed, domed cap with a small finial. From it hang long, looping chains of oval links, ending in pointed leaf-shaped pendants. A slim shaft with a raised ring descends to a square black stand. It stands 18.75 inches high.

Somewhere between a weapon and a wind chime.