Indonesian ? spears for I.D.

colin henshaw · 7th January 2018, 03:27 PM

I acquired this small group of South-East Asian spears (need cleaning) a little while ago, and think they are likely Indonesian ? maybe from Borneo...

As this is not my usual area of interest, can anyone on the forum tell me more about them, please. Area(s) of origin and possible date range if known.

One of the spears has a blade of triangular section. Can anyone advise the purpose of the small silver ? attachment near the end of the long spear.

Any information of these items would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

CharlesS · 7th January 2018, 03:59 PM

These are lovely examples. Identifying the origins of Indonesian and Malay spears can be very difficult because some of the same characteristics associated with them, like the silver ferrules, often don't change much from place to place, then add in trade and it really becomes a challenge unless they are tribal pieces whose style instantly identifies their origins.

Are these all pamor blades?

Once you cleaned up the ferrules and blades and oiled the wood these will be stunners!

Congrats on the acquisition!

Sajen · 7th January 2018, 04:23 PM

Hi Colin,

agree with everything Charles has said. Nice examples. The attachment from silver is mayby for attaching a carrying strip.

Regards,
Detlef

colin henshaw · 8th January 2018, 10:46 AM

Thanks to Charles & Detlef for their comments on the spears, glad you like them.

Roughly, what sort of date would you put them at ? Looking closely at the blades I would say they are all "pamor" made.

Would the spears have been used for actual fighting ... or more parade/display purposes ? Are there any period photographs ?

Regards.

Sajen · 8th January 2018, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colin henshaw

... glad you like them.

When you don't like them send them to me!

Quote:

Originally Posted by colin henshaw

Roughly, what sort of date would you put them at ?

mid to end of 19th century?

Quote:

Originally Posted by colin henshaw

Would the spears have been used for actual fighting ... or more parade/display purposes ?

They look very usuable to my eyes!

colin henshaw · 9th January 2018, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sajen

When you don't like them send them to me!

mid to end of 19th century?

They look very usuable to my eyes!

Thanks Detlef, appreciated !

Regards
Colin

7th January 2018, 03:27 PM	#1
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,430	Indonesian ? spears for I.D. I acquired this small group of South-East Asian spears (need cleaning) a little while ago, and think they are likely Indonesian ? maybe from Borneo... As this is not my usual area of interest, can anyone on the forum tell me more about them, please. Area(s) of origin and possible date range if known. One of the spears has a blade of triangular section. Can anyone advise the purpose of the small silver ? attachment near the end of the long spear. Any information of these items would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. Attached Images

7th January 2018, 03:59 PM	#2
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	These are lovely examples. Identifying the origins of Indonesian and Malay spears can be very difficult because some of the same characteristics associated with them, like the silver ferrules, often don't change much from place to place, then add in trade and it really becomes a challenge unless they are tribal pieces whose style instantly identifies their origins. Are these all pamor blades? Once you cleaned up the ferrules and blades and oiled the wood these will be stunners! Congrats on the acquisition!

7th January 2018, 04:23 PM	#3
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,770	Hi Colin, agree with everything Charles has said. Nice examples. The attachment from silver is mayby for attaching a carrying strip. Regards, Detlef

8th January 2018, 10:46 AM	#4
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,430	Thanks to Charles & Detlef for their comments on the spears, glad you like them. Roughly, what sort of date would you put them at ? Looking closely at the blades I would say they are all "pamor" made. Would the spears have been used for actual fighting ... or more parade/display purposes ? Are there any period photographs ? Regards.