A Vintage Indian Elephant Goad in good to very good condition. The Indian elephant goad, also called an ankus, is a traditional tool used by elephant handlers, or mahouts, in South Asia. Its history goes back thousands of years, with early depictions appearing in ancient Indian art and texts. Traditionally made from wood or metal, the ankus usually has a short handle and a curved hook used to guide an elephant’s movements. Elephants played important roles in ancient Indian warfare, transportation, royal ceremonies, and religious traditions, making the ankus an important symbol of the relationship between humans and elephants. Over time, it became both a practical tool and an artistic object, with elaborate ankuses sometimes decorated with carvings or precious metals.