A scarred forehead of an elephant
The metal tool that the mahout carries can easily be considered a weapon when not used properly. An ankur in the hands of a frustrated mahout is not a good day for the elephant. Some wildlife protection groups are trying to introduce a bamboo ankur that would be less likely to scar or inflict unnecessary suffering to the elephant. However, if the elephant was not expected to perform and do tricks for us, the ankur would be greatly unnecessary.