Another find : Parang Latok

[Freddy]

Got this one earlier this week. A friend, who knew nothing about the piece, proposed it to me.

My guess is that it's a parang latok from Borneo. I'm not sure which tribe uses these swords, but I'm sure you guys will help me.

Apparently, it came from the house of an old lady. I have no idea how it got there. Her house was cleared (by my friend) and it's the only 'oriental' piece he found.

The sword comes complete with its sheath. The sheath is made out of two pieces of wood, glued together. Added to this are a number of woves bands of rattan.

The sword itself has a wooden handle with some copper wire to embellish or strenghen it. The blade is very sharp and has a width of 1 cm near the handle.

Total length : 75 cm
Length of blade : 47 cm (part which goes into the sheath)
Width of blade near the top : 4,5 cm

Any comments ?

[Sajen]

Hello Freddy, nice catch. It's possible that it is a Buko since the blade (the part which is covered from the sheath) is only 47 cm. A Buko is smaller than a Parang Latok but in the same shape. Some more knowledge members will be able to tell you more.

Regards,

Detlef

[Maurice]

Originally Posted by Freddy

My guess is that it's a parang latok from Borneo. I'm not sure which tribe uses these swords, but I'm sure you guys will help me.

Nice one Freddy!
If it was a parang latok it was mainly used by Malays and Milanaus, but about the last part of the 19th century also introduced into other tribes.

But because you mention that the greatest breadth of the blade is 4,7 cm, I have to say it is a buko according the article of Shelford.
The main difference between a latok and a buko is that the greatest breadth of a latok exceeds 5 cm, and of a buko is not exceeding 5 cm.
So, it seem like a buko to me (but a big one, so it is on the edge, buko...latok..).
The buko's were used by the landdayaks (who also used the pandats).
Normally the handles of a buko are more elaborated carved as Latoks.
Here this isn't the case. According to Shelford the Pinyawa of the Samarahan river didn't carve the head of their bukohandles at all. So maybe this one is from that region??

Originally Posted by Freddy

The sword comes complete with its sheath. The sheath is made out of two pieces of wood, glued together. Added to this are a number of woves bands of rattan.

I hope it wasn't done with modern glue? Otherwise try to remove the gluerests. There is nothing uglier as gluerests on a fine old weapon like this!

Anyway, if you ever want to let it go, just send me an email, I like it!

[Henk]

Very nice catch Freddy! Because it is so awfull sharp you should take precautions. Send it right away to me