Balato with animal teeth for scabbard basket

Green · 3rd July 2015, 01:33 PM

I hope some of you balato lovers/experts can comment on my newly acquired balato here. The two things that attract me to it are the nice patina overall and it looked pretty old but the question is what kind of period are we seeing here? My guess is no more than late 19th centry or early 20th.

The main attraction to me is the basket. Although relatively small it consist of animal teeth making up the ball surrounding the rattan basket.I think they are wild boar teeth.

I'm hoping this is a genuine balato used by Nias Islanders and not one of those made for tourists. The rather crudely carved wooden hilt indicated to me this is not for tourist trade.

3rd July 2015, 01:33 PM	#1
Green Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Malaysia Posts: 316	Balato with animal teeth for scabbard basket I hope some of you balato lovers/experts can comment on my newly acquired balato here. The two things that attract me to it are the nice patina overall and it looked pretty old but the question is what kind of period are we seeing here? My guess is no more than late 19th centry or early 20th. The main attraction to me is the basket. Although relatively small it consist of animal teeth making up the ball surrounding the rattan basket.I think they are wild boar teeth. I'm hoping this is a genuine balato used by Nias Islanders and not one of those made for tourists. The rather crudely carved wooden hilt indicated to me this is not for tourist trade. Attached Images