Lantaka Real Vs Fake

Jim McDougall · 17th April 2014, 09:47 PM

While I have absolutely no knowledge of lantaka, and little on artillery in general, I am more than willing to spend some time looking through references so I can offer some thoughts here. It is a wonderful thing to learn, and this interesting example offers perfect opportunity.

It seems that these usually small cannon were typically mounted on merchant vessels throughout waterways in various archipelagos in Malaysia, Phlippines and Indonesia among others . From what I understand, these became not only important weapons as defense against pirates, but of course by the pirates themselves. Eventually these became items of status beyond their obvious use as weapons, and heavily produced for use in ceremonial cases as well as even trade items. With colonial presence there were many versions of these produced by Portugal and the Netherlands, with these being often intended for trade.

It is indicated that prior to the 18th century, there were iron pins to center the clay covered wood core which produced the bore. As the mold was broken open, these pins actually became part of the cannon itself, and later these iron residues became spotted rust in the bronze. Later in the 18th century it seems barrels were poured solid and the bore drilled out.

Without actually having this item at hand, and with the little exposure I have to them, I would have to defer to those more experienced, but I would ask if it appears this cannon could be fired. Going by the material I read, it would seem the cast lines (if that is what they are) would indicate early make and probably in these archipelagos. It is suggested that the European made examples had more refined casting. However, it is well known that Europeans often produced trade arms which were notably inadequate, obviously concerned about the results if insurgency should develop.

Beyond that, perhaps this one could have been for trade use among local tribes, in the sense of intertribal gift in wedding, currency etc. parlance?

Hopefully others will offer more on this.

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17th April 2014, 09:47 PM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	While I have absolutely no knowledge of lantaka, and little on artillery in general, I am more than willing to spend some time looking through references so I can offer some thoughts here. It is a wonderful thing to learn, and this interesting example offers perfect opportunity. It seems that these usually small cannon were typically mounted on merchant vessels throughout waterways in various archipelagos in Malaysia, Phlippines and Indonesia among others . From what I understand, these became not only important weapons as defense against pirates, but of course by the pirates themselves. Eventually these became items of status beyond their obvious use as weapons, and heavily produced for use in ceremonial cases as well as even trade items. With colonial presence there were many versions of these produced by Portugal and the Netherlands, with these being often intended for trade. It is indicated that prior to the 18th century, there were iron pins to center the clay covered wood core which produced the bore. As the mold was broken open, these pins actually became part of the cannon itself, and later these iron residues became spotted rust in the bronze. Later in the 18th century it seems barrels were poured solid and the bore drilled out. Without actually having this item at hand, and with the little exposure I have to them, I would have to defer to those more experienced, but I would ask if it appears this cannon could be fired. Going by the material I read, it would seem the cast lines (if that is what they are) would indicate early make and probably in these archipelagos. It is suggested that the European made examples had more refined casting. However, it is well known that Europeans often produced trade arms which were notably inadequate, obviously concerned about the results if insurgency should develop. Beyond that, perhaps this one could have been for trade use among local tribes, in the sense of intertribal gift in wedding, currency etc. parlance? Hopefully others will offer more on this.