Balato for comment

[Athanase]

Hello

Here is my first Balato, (South Nias I think from the style of the handle).
The back of the blade measures 7mm thick at its base.
The sheath is held by strips of brass with a plating of silver-colored metal.
I have looked on the forum and on internet and I think this balato is after headhunting period.

The patina of wood seems really old but I can't estimate his age : before or post WWII ??

[Athanase]

Hello,
Nobody has an idea?
Are there any specific details to look at to help estimate its manufacturing period?

[Sajen]

Hello,

I think that there are several reasons that nobody comment until now, one reason could be seen in the somewhat dark pictures. Really old balato swords from the headhunting time are very rare and most of the time you have to pay a lot of money for them.
But balato swords has been in use until now for ceremonies (for tourist and also for real ones), I think that your one will be from the middle (a little up and down could be possible) of the 20th century, difficult to say from pictures only if before or after WWII, who will say it exactly?
The thick blade is a good sign, for sure a better later example.

Regards,
Detlef

[Athanase]

Thanks for your reply Detlef.
When I bought it, I already knew that this balato didn't date from the period of headhunting, as you say I don't have the money for it.
For WW2 it is because I feel that after this period the quality of craftsmanship is reduced, because that there is more chance of finding productions intended for the tourists (and not traditional uses).

[asomotif]

Hello Athanase,

Nice balato imo. I like the bold design of the handle.
The patina looks alright too.
The picture of the scabbard is a bit difficult to judge due to the reflection on the brass.
But if I imagine it without the reflection the scabbard looks ok.

Age is difficult. But I have the feeling that the south Nias style is less present in the post WW2 production.
I would not be surprised is this one dates to the first half of 20th century.

As for the headhunting time. Both you and Detlef mention it,
But what year are you thinking of ? When did it end on Nias ?

Best regards,
Willem

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by asomotif

Nice balato imo. I like the bold design of the handle.
The patina looks alright too.
The picture of the scabbard is a bit difficult to judge due to the reflection on the brass.
But if I imagine it without the reflection the scabbard looks ok.

Age is difficult. But I have the feeling that the south Nias style is less present in the post WW2 production.
I would not be surprised is this one dates to the first half of 20th century.

As for the headhunting time. Both you and Detlef mention it,
But what year are you thinking of ? When did it end on Nias ?

Hello Willem,

like you said byself, age is a difficult thing, also when not from the headhuntig time, I've seen and handled balatos which show clearly patination, so it's my best guess that wearing and using, for what ever, balatos don't get thrown on the trash after end of headhunting time. When it is a traditional carved and fitted balato and not worked for trade only there is no reason don't call it a good balato.
I think to remember that I've read somewhere that the headhunting time ended in the early 20th century.
An early collected balato may lack patination, a much later collected example can show much more patination, so age guess is a very difficult thing.

Regards,
Detlef