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#1 |
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,252
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This blade type seems widely distributed among coastal Malay cultures; even Batak examples are known (possibly refitted blades introduced by trade or as gift from neighbouring rulers): A relatively long, broad, and flexible blade with somewhat obtuse tip and a sharpened back edge (often about half of the length); usually with nicely pattern-welded pamor that looks indigenous to me. Some blades are more slender, fully edged, and/or come with fuller(s). Malay Chenangkas also often seem to come with similar blades.
This example has a well-controlled pamor mlumah with subtle/calm patterning and on top of this a pattern-welded "…XIIIXIIIX…” motif: This motif is commonly seen engraved or inlaid at the back of blades; here it is done in a similar way at the side of the blade as part of the forging work. Need to bring it out with a fresh etch, I guess. This type of pommel with a rather obvious head and its distinct features is a variant of the ubiquitous Makara form and originates from the northern Malay culture, probably Pattani and neighbouring sultanates. Horn with old remnants of Melayu dragonblood paint visible inside the mouth; silver fittings and an old tassel. A closely related pommel type is known from Pattani nobility badek (cp. Spirit of Wood, p. 152). Also note the heavy bolster (thickness 12.6 mm = 1/2”) in front of the guard! Regards, Kai (Pictures courtesy of our forumite kino since I have yet to receive this piece obtained early this year - thanks heaps for your help, Albert!) |
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#2 | |
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Join Date: Apr 2005
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Here is another example of this type from Charles vast vault!
#6 in his classic thread: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=4682 (An update would be greatly appreciated, Charles!) Quote:
Regards, Kai |
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#3 |
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Join Date: Apr 2005
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A blade with very similar shape and pamor; no bolster:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=22865 |
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#4 |
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Join Date: Apr 2005
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A more slender blade as commonly seen with Chenangkas:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=16579 |
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#5 |
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,252
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Another Chenangkas with pamor blade:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=17534 |
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#6 |
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,252
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One more example: A similar blade in Batak fittings.
Regards, Kai |
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#7 |
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,252
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P.S.: The latter 3 examples are just for comparison...
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#8 |
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Germany, Dortmund
Posts: 8,726
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Hello Kai,
crazy that you don't have received any comments until now! ![]() ![]() Regards, Detlef |
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#9 |
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,234
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Kai, a very nice sword.
Only one thing - the metal sleeves and the motif on them is what we often seen on refurbished Minang and Palembang Kerisses coming out of post WWII Sumatra. I see the reason, why these could be Malayan, but... am not 100% sure about it. |
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#10 |
EAAF Staff
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 7,189
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So Gustav you are saying that these type of silver scabbard mounts are more recent?
BTW - Love the blades |
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#11 |
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,234
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Jose, I am referring only to the metal mounts on the first Pedang -
- yes. |
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#12 |
EAAF Staff
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 7,189
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That's the one Gustav, thank you.
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#13 | ||
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Join Date: Apr 2005
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Hello Detlef,
Thanks for your comments and keeping the ball rolling! ![]() Quote:
Note that the pommel size is different; utilizing horn also necessitates some changes at the mouth/etc. due to the hollow core as does functionality as a sword hilt. Swords with these naturalistic makara pommel seem to be exceedingly rare and I've yet to find any well-provenanced examples. Given the differences between mine and Charles' pieces (and more differences compared to northern Malayan badek), I agree that we need to keep an open mind and more data. Quote:
The tassel seems to have some age - I'd guess that the current configuration has been in use for a while (post-WW2?). Regards, Kai |
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#14 | |
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,252
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Thanks, Gustav!
Quote:
Charles, could you please post close-ups of the scabbard (sword from post #2), please? Regards, Kai |
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#15 | |
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,252
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![]() Quote:
I'll try to post some more pics after cleaning and etching... Regards, Kai |
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#16 |
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Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 26
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Love the pommel of "Makara"...great carving and really COOL figure
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