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Old 8th February 2022, 01:41 AM   #1
kai
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,255
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Hello Jeff,

This specific type of kakatua/parrot hilt is most commonly seen with sewar; as with many Sumatran hilts, combinations with other knife blades are also not rarely seen. Whether it might be referred to as badik, pisau/piso, or any other name will depend on the local communities and speakers involved.

I believe this specific hilt type has a Straits origin and could be from northeastern Sumatra as well as from the western coast of the Malay peninsula. The wood makes me lean towards Malaya though.

How well does the blade fit the scabbard? Both seem to have some age but difficult to assess from the pics. I believe this blade has lost any tool function und probably was kept as a memento/heirloom.

The scabbard is in dire need of some TLC, especially removal of polishing compound and a correct foot piece - the current piece seems to be from plastic and has a fantasy shape; a rounded shape as seen in keris seems to be most suitable here IMHO.

Regards,
Kai
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