Two Nice Parang Naburs

[CharlesS]

I really like parang naburs...they have such a unique appearance, and generally handle beautifully, with chunky hilts and heavy, well balanced blades. They can come in tremendous variety, but these two are two exceptional examples, one with a dressy scabbard, the other with a more simple scabbard. Great hilts and teriffic blades on both. Does anyone know the purpose of the extended screw often found on the end of the hilts of these??? Note that one of these has it, and the other has a permanent cap where the screw could be.

[tom hyle]

Wow, those are nice looking swords. One can see a relation to jimpul, parang latok, etc, particularly in the broader tipped one. Any ideas regarding the variations in parang nabur? This type speaks of Borneo? (was there some connection to Turkey though?) There's the bathead ones, which I have a sword I think is one of; PI, yes? I've seen Indonesian ones, which they call a different name; parang sabet? Those curved Java goloks seem similar. BTW, I developed my film; I'm a terrible photographer, but at least wheels are rolling to where you'll one day see some of these pieces you've heard about
As to the screw; is it tang? Either way, does a little tang go into the pommel from the end of the knucklebow, Eurosabre style? Might the srew go thru that? I, savage that I am would likely be tempted to unsrcew it and see what happens, but of course, I do not suggest or advise any action for any persons, nor do I speak for or represent the forum, etc. etc. etc.

[Conogre]

Similar hilts and guards are occasionally seen on Philippine swords circa the "insurrection period", and of course, on The Ceylonese kastane, with correlations often attributed to Dutch influence from the maritime shortwords or cutlasses, possible in the former two and doubtful but still possible in the latter, IMO.My guess is that the screw is indeed welded to a rat-tail tang for solidarity.
Two incredibly sweet swords by the way...donations to my collection are always welcome, with my address readily available.
Mike

[Dajak]

Hi Charles that are 2 very nice naburs I have send Rick a pic off naburs
the straight one can be seen also in the book from Zonneveld
There is one with a full brass hilt

[RSWORD]

Charles and Dajak,

Excellent examples posted! What has always impressed me about the majority of these weapons are how well made the blades are. They often have complicated fullering, spine work, yelmans, etc. and are quite substantial, well balanced weapons that feel really well in the hands. I am still waiting for the first wootz example to pop up!

[Mark]

Maybe I am seeing dha behind every tree, but I am struck by the resemblance of the tips to those found in dha, especially those of the nabur on both ends in Dajak's photo. Right down to the little flip on the tip of the right-hand one -- hua lu guy it would be called on a Thai sword.

[Dajak]

The end of most off the naburs are looking like Jimpuls some have krowits as can be seen on the straight ones so the influence from Dayaks on these swords can be notice ,
These weapons where used by sea dajaks pirates and malay pirates

[Mark]

Yes, the scrollwork on some is clearly reminiscent of mandau and kampilan. For comparison, this is hua lu guy ...



... and this is hua bua.

[Rick]

I think I see a very similar example to mine (fourth from right) . Do any of your examples have a red line painted on the hilt just above the ferrule ?

[Dajak]

Hi yes 2 off the naburs from me have red at that place

Nice Handle is there some carving on the top ?

here are some pics off Jimpuls