![]() |
![]() |
#1 |
Member
Join Date: Apr 2020
Posts: 177
|
![]()
Hi
Looking to id the big Asian knife please. Is it a wedung or similar? Balinese? Sumatran? 12.5 inch thick blade with an edge oartway on top spine, brass inlays under spine. No pamor. Blade has been used as the nicks show. No more images or details available presently. Thanks |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 474
|
![]()
Hi SidJ,
AFAIK, wedong serve a ceremonial purpose and, in the case of those worn in the kraton, are deliberately fashioned to be unsuitable as a weapon. The false edge on your blade would seem to defeat that design. I could be wrong but, given the size and shape of the integral blade bolster, I suspect that the hilt isn't original to the blade. The bolster looks like something found on a bade bade. All of the above notwithstanding, it is a very nice piece. It will be interesting to see what others have to say. Sincerely, RobT |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 | ||
Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,249
|
![]()
Hello Rob,
I fully agree this blade is not related at all! This almost certainly is a Sumatran piece - no close relationship with any blade from Java or Bali here. Quote:
More importantly, while the wedung/wedong Jawa mainly is a ceremonial blade, it's (at least symbolic) function is basically being a machete to clear, for example, a trail for the ruler; I'd posit that its shape does reflect this (potential) use rather than being crippled on purpose. In a pinch, this blade type still lends itself to fighting if needed: it resembles heavy badik or smaller barung. Moreover, members of the court carried at least a keris which would pose a greater threat. Quote:
Regards, Kai |
||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,249
|
![]()
Hello Sid,
Congrats, a really neat piece - I especially like the inserted brass dots! Please post more pics when it arrives. Regards, Kai |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Member
Join Date: Apr 2020
Posts: 177
|
![]()
Thanks both
I am grateful. Yes the Sumatran rawit knives have this step between bolster and hilt and a somewhat similar shape. See pics in Zonneveld. The greneng reminds me of Rencong from Aceh. Micheal suggested Minang possibly. If Sumatra is this a fighting or utility blade or both? It bears signs of use and the brass inlays and details in construction are interesting suggesting perhaps a step up from a pure agrarian tool? Best Sid |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Member
Join Date: Apr 2020
Posts: 177
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 | |
Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,249
|
![]() Quote:
![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 | ||
Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,249
|
![]()
Hello Sid,
Quote:
I'd tend to guess at the northern Minang border region or, probably, Mandailing/Angkola (areas heavily affected during the padri wars). Quote:
Regards, Kai |
||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Member
Join Date: Apr 2020
Posts: 177
|
![]()
Kai
Pic added. Big and robust blade. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 | |
Keris forum moderator
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 7,085
|
![]() Quote:
Rob, again, while i generally agree, i must point out that my own wedhung, which is a early Mataram variety, does indeed have a false edge, so that alone is not a valid reason to dismiss a blade as a wedhung. Hopefully you can see it well enough in this photograph, but i can assure you that there is definitely an intentional false edge on this blade. I will also add that while these are for the most part ceremonial blades, that does not necessarily mean that they were never applied to practical purposes within the keraton. If your king wanted something cut in the keraton, that task could very well be accomplished with a wedhung. Last edited by David; 26th April 2023 at 02:14 PM. Reason: spelling |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 474
|
![]()
David,
Thanks for showing me this. I never saw a wedung with a false edge before. Valuable information. I have to say that, in addition to being a great looking piece, your blade looks slim enough to be used in a pinch as a point weapon. Sincerely, RobT |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Germany, Dortmund
Posts: 8,716
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
Member
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 6,819
|
![]()
Detlef, in later times, this is so, but I cannot really specify "later times". My best guess is late Majapahit to early Islamic.
The the word "wedhung" means "axe" in Old Javanese, & truly old wedhung were in fact a tool that was required to be worn at court in order to show that high ranking nobles were still servants of their lord and were willing to cut a way through the jungle for him. Some very early wedhung are great big hulking whackers, as are some very recent ones. I have some that were made on order for a royal house, and then the order was cancelled, and these were made specifically as a tribute to the past, even though intended to be worn as required dress. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Germany, Dortmund
Posts: 8,716
|
![]()
Hello Alan,
Yes, I know. ![]() Regards, Detlef |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Germany, Dortmund
Posts: 8,716
|
![]()
Sid, you have got a very nice and unusual knife there! Congrats!
![]() Regards, Detlef |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 |
Member
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 6,819
|
![]()
OK Detlef, gotcha.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 | |
Keris forum moderator
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 7,085
|
![]() Quote:
![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 | |
Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Germany, Dortmund
Posts: 8,716
|
![]() Quote:
You will be correct. Obviously I misunderstood! ![]() Regards, Detlef |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|