Celebes (Sulawesi) Badik /Badek
 

I've given this it's own thread so as to not derail Willem's thread.
It was described to me (transcribed from the notes of the original collector) as being a 'Celebes Badek'

Any info greatfully recieved. Notice the pamor and nice silver mounts.

That's a pretty thing Gene. Interesting that each of the sheaths bands has a different vegetative motif instead of them all being the same. The wood is beautiful as is the pamor. I'm not really up on this particular blade form so i cannot verify the origin.

Thank you David,

Notice the rings? Do these hang from a chain or something?
...and with the edge up?

I did notice that and was going to remark only to say that is something i have never seen on these weapons. Hopefully someone will respond who has more information. :shrug:

Wow !
Very nice classic example of a celebes badik.

The rings are not uncommon, but normally the are on the flat side of the scabbard. and higher.

Hi Gene,
Not my area as you know but it's a handsome looking piece and a really nice addition to your "extensive armoury". :cool: :)
My Regards,
Norman.

Hi Gene,

very nice Sulawesi badik! The loops are maybe a later addition from the owner. :shrug: Some of my ones have later added belt clips.
Here a group picture from some of mine.

Best,

Detlef

The silverwork is much better than the examples I've had in the past.
You're right about the different designs. In my initial examination I think I thought it was two and three. Well spotted.
I wonder what the significance of the different designs is?

Hi Willem,
Both nice axamples but that top one is a beauty.
Where are they?
Do you have pictures of the blades?

Thanks
Gene

LOL!
Cheers buddy. :)

Thats a fine selection you have there Detlef. :)


What do you think might have been hung from the loops on mine?

Hi Gene,

I found them on the website of RMV, Leiden.
Always handy for reference, as they have old pieces.

Best regards,
Willem

A very lovely badek. I would say one of the better pieces. The loops are a later addition placed over the silver work.

Thank Gene! Maybe only a string for hang up the badik at a belt. :shrug: But this is only a guess.

Regards,

Detlef

Thank you Henk. I'm very pleased with it.

Thanks Detlef
Are they usually worn edge up?

Sorry, I really don't know. :shrug:

Wow Gene, that's a nice piece! I'm especially into the blade: The patterns are gorgeous and that little swirl immediately forward of the hilt has me really charmed. What I like even more is the belly-waist ratio of the blade - it just has a flow to it that I haven't seen on many other badiks.

Thanks so much for sharing it, may you enjoy it in good health!


All the best, - Thor

No, Usually these are worn with the edge down. Just try for yourself and stick it in your belt. Then draw.

Thank you Thor that's very kind of you.
I've had a few in the past and let them go, but this time I've found a 'keeper'.

All the best to you as well
Gene

Hi Henk,
Thats what I thought...
So I wonder why someone wanted a cord on it?
Decorative tassle or something perhaps?

Hi Gene,

Very good possible.
To be honest, the way these loops are made looks to me as european work. Probably made to hang it with a cord on the wall. If you look at the indonesian loops on the shown badeks you will notice that the loops should fit in the patterns of the silver bands.