Balato

[Mytribalworld]

Originally Posted by asomotif

Hi Arjan,
It is on scarce occasions that we differ

But is this case I would advise not to alter the ball.
It is a mid 20th century balato that was either made for ceremonial dancing or maybe as a tourist item.
But it is not an old pre 1900 headhunters sword.
So why change the balato into an old (pre 1900) sword which it simply is not.

Willem, it was not the intension to "alter" the piece and its also not the case that "only" the pre 1900 headhuntersswords has real tusk charmballs.
also after the WW2 we see "warriors" on Nias walking around with tusks charmballs. Its more that I have strongly the idea that such balls are added on Bali to sell them as complete sword.
than it should be more ethographical correct to add real tusks than let the "Bali ball"" where it is now, I think.
But of course if you want to see the sword in its original state you shouldn't add anything.

Arjan