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Originally Posted by Amuk Murugul
Hullo Gene,
This golok was made in a hurry. It is Soenda, from Priangan, Soemedang Regency. Many were made during Indonesia's struggle for independence. They were carried by Sajiddin (fighters prepared to die). These fighters were totally 'undrugged', except perhaps with religious conviction. Whole companies were known to have perished by say, attacking a tank with nothing more lethal than sharpened bamboo spears.
Quite a piece of Soenda/indo history!
As for the 'Ha Mim', I'd venture to say that it most likely, notionally, represents a rejoinder from the 'assemblage' akin to the 'halleluyah' or 'amen' after statements by a preacher in a Gospel church.
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Hi again Amuk.
Thank you so much for the background on this item.
That's really interesting, I have to admit that I know very little about how Indonesia gained her independance..
Your explanation makes perfect sense. I couldn't understand why such a careful and long inscription was put on such a 'basic' weapon.
Is it common to see long verses on these? Do you think the inscription from the other side of the blade is something more connected to the ideology of the political situation at that moment?
So the date of 1365 (1945) relates to the war for independance? I had just assumed it related to WW2.
Despite it's basic nature, would you regard it as an interesting (even desirable) item then?
Best
Gene