Nagaika

Quick Facts

OriginRussia

Weapon typeFlail

How it worksImpact, Flexible

Wield typeSingle-handed

MaterialLeather, Hardwood

Period of use19th century, 20th century

Original purposeMilitary weapon, Civilian self-defence and duelling

Carried byCavalry

About the weapon

The nagaika is a Cossack leather whip. Its name comes from the Nogais; originally it was nogaika, that is, a Nogai whip. The name kamcha, derived from a Turkic word for whip, is also used. The whip is made by plaiting two strips of rawhide into a strand about 11 mm in diameter; a piece of metal may sit at the end. The wooden handle, of birch or other hard wood, is about 10 vershoks long, that is, 44 cm. A short loop is attached to the handle, and the whip also comes with a rawhide strap about 178 cm long for carrying over the shoulder. The nagaika's main and prevailing purpose was to control and drive horses. But it was also used against unarmed people, for corporal punishment, and to disperse unrest during the Russian revolutions. A mounted Cossack beating worker or student demonstrators with a nagaika became a symbol of tsarist oppression. In 2005 Cossack units were restored and equipped with nagaikas as well. According to a source on flankirovka, Cossacks also prepared for combat with the shashka using other objects, including the nagaika.

Parts of the weapon

• Grip

Care and maintenance

• Caring for wooden weapons
• Caring for leather on weapons