Malay Klewang?

Moshah · 3rd February 2013, 04:58 PM

Hi there.

I was told that this was actually a Golok Tapik, but I really don't know. Blade was laminated, and light.

Golok Tapik was a part of Malay weaponry (besides the usual keris, golok, parang, badik etc) which were used by Malays in the era of the assassination of the English Governor of Perak then, JWW Birch in Pasir Salak back in 15th century Malaya. Or so I was told.

It looks like a Klewang, and could be a klewang as well. This was rather a grey area for me.

Anybody could help in ID-ing this stuff?

Thanks

Sajen · 3rd February 2013, 05:06 PM

Hi Moshah, first I will post your pictures direct to the thread for better look.

I think that you have there a klewang from South Sumatra, two similar examples are shown in "Traditional Weapons Of The Indonesian Archipelago" on page 70.

Regards,

Detlef

Moshah · 3rd February 2013, 05:23 PM

Oh, Hi detlef...

It seems that I have some trouble in getting the attachment right. Too long out from posting around here...

Well, my hunch is answered...but then is this was a so-so klewang or a good one? I can see some markings on the blunt edge of the klewang, but that's that...

I haven't had the book, BTW...

Sajen · 3rd February 2013, 05:36 PM

Hi Moshah, it is nothing, send it to me so you don't have to look at it anymore!!

Seriously, it look good to me but think that the sheath is more recent.

When I am you I would clean the blade and etch it to bring out the lamination.

Best,

Detlef

Moshah · 3rd February 2013, 05:46 PM

Definitely the etching will follow suit, but I do not think it will surfaces anything except an adeg-like lamination...but surely it will get rid of the rust as well

.

Personally, I think the klewang is rather short.

Yeah, scabbard could be a later addition or not original, but the blade should have some age to it, IMHO...

Sajen · 3rd February 2013, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moshah

Personally, I think the klewang is rather short.

The two shown examples in the book are around 50 cm.

kai · 4th February 2013, 01:55 AM

Hello Moshah,

Quote:

Definitely the etching will follow suit, but I do not think it will surfaces anything except an adeg-like lamination...but surely it will get rid of the rust as well

.

Yes, I'd love to see the laminations more clearly.

Quote:

Personally, I think the klewang is rather short.

These can be even shorter and plain versions are probably utility working/butcher/kitchen tools.

The silver-clad versions are obviously status pieces and of possibly ceremonial usage IMVHO.

Regards,
Kai

3rd February 2013, 04:58 PM	#1
Moshah Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 171	Malay Klewang? Hi there. I was told that this was actually a Golok Tapik, but I really don't know. Blade was laminated, and light. Golok Tapik was a part of Malay weaponry (besides the usual keris, golok, parang, badik etc) which were used by Malays in the era of the assassination of the English Governor of Perak then, JWW Birch in Pasir Salak back in 15th century Malaya. Or so I was told. It looks like a Klewang, and could be a klewang as well. This was rather a grey area for me. Anybody could help in ID-ing this stuff? Thanks Attached Images Last edited by Moshah; 3rd February 2013 at 05:19 PM.

3rd February 2013, 05:06 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,781	Hi Moshah, first I will post your pictures direct to the thread for better look. I think that you have there a klewang from South Sumatra, two similar examples are shown in "Traditional Weapons Of The Indonesian Archipelago" on page 70. Regards, Detlef Attached Images

3rd February 2013, 05:23 PM	#3
Moshah Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 171	Oh, Hi detlef... It seems that I have some trouble in getting the attachment right. Too long out from posting around here... Well, my hunch is answered...but then is this was a so-so klewang or a good one? I can see some markings on the blunt edge of the klewang, but that's that... I haven't had the book, BTW...

3rd February 2013, 05:36 PM	#4
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,781	Hi Moshah, it is nothing, send it to me so you don't have to look at it anymore!! Seriously, it look good to me but think that the sheath is more recent. When I am you I would clean the blade and etch it to bring out the lamination. Best, Detlef

3rd February 2013, 05:46 PM	#5
Moshah Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 171	Definitely the etching will follow suit, but I do not think it will surfaces anything except an adeg-like lamination...but surely it will get rid of the rust as well . Personally, I think the klewang is rather short. Yeah, scabbard could be a later addition or not original, but the blade should have some age to it, IMHO...