Origin of the Tombak?

VANDOO · 6th August 2010, 03:07 PM

THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION KAI

I HAVE SEEN QUITE A FEW SPEAR BLADES THAT ARE IN VARIOUS INTERESTING FORMS, ARE THEY CEREMONIAL. I ALSO WONDER IF THEY WOULD BE REFERED TO AS TOMBAK OR WOULD HAVE ANOTHER NAME DESCRIBING THEM.

PICTURES OF A NICELY STAINED TOMBAK, AND PICTURES OF VARIOUS FORMS OF SPEAR FROM JAVA.

BigG · 8th August 2010, 06:04 AM

From what I have seen of samples in the hands of M'sian & S'porean collectors & based on my discussion wth pthers here, there is a lcear distinction of a Tombak (Spear) and a Lembing (Javelin) amongst the malays ofthe peninsula & perhaps in Sumatra too. Where such distinctions may not be apparent from the Javanese perspectiv.

The Malay Tombak appears to be broader of blade. It may take the classic diamond pattern with an elongated tip or a more rectangular appearance at the mid section before it tapers to a sharp end. Lembing blades appear to be slimmer and has a more aerodynamic appearance. The blade generally do not conform to the diamond form found for the tombak. both may or may not have a spine...

The shaft of the tombak is also generally thicker, rigid and more substantial in appearnce. It has a more regular parallel appearance through out its length with metallic counterweights found at the butt end. The lembing shaft on the other hand are more slimmer. Its construction tapering towards the but end... some what like a very slim n elongated coke bottle... Unlike a tombak shaft which are usually plane... the malay lembing shaft at times have very well crafted forms running throughout its length. Its shaft appears to be segmented and has fine standing lines carved around each segment. Lembing shaft doesnt appear to have any counter weight or if they do, this appears to be more like a decorative metallic sleeve at the butt...

I hope those wth samples that I have described wld show this egs as I have none of my own for a more easier visual reference.

Rick · 8th August 2010, 03:43 PM

Welcome to the Forums BigG .

Here's another spear head for consideration; the Metuk is a separate piece .

BigG · 8th August 2010, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

Welcome to the Forums BigG .

Thnx for the welcome Rick...

Will try to get a pic eg if I can

kronckew · 8th August 2010, 06:31 PM

mine,

9.25 in. blade, 1.25 in at widest, diamond x-section, 5.25" long 3/8" round tang. not sure what 'pamor' this one would have.

Rick · 8th August 2010, 07:35 PM

It looks like it may be an adeg (on edge) style of pamor .

Bill M · 9th August 2010, 10:59 AM

Thanks, all. Good info.

6th August 2010, 03:07 PM	#1
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION KAI I HAVE SEEN QUITE A FEW SPEAR BLADES THAT ARE IN VARIOUS INTERESTING FORMS, ARE THEY CEREMONIAL. I ALSO WONDER IF THEY WOULD BE REFERED TO AS TOMBAK OR WOULD HAVE ANOTHER NAME DESCRIBING THEM. PICTURES OF A NICELY STAINED TOMBAK, AND PICTURES OF VARIOUS FORMS OF SPEAR FROM JAVA. Attached Images

8th August 2010, 06:04 AM	#2
BigG Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Singapore Posts: 75	The Peninsula Malay Perspective From what I have seen of samples in the hands of M'sian & S'porean collectors & based on my discussion wth pthers here, there is a lcear distinction of a Tombak (Spear) and a Lembing (Javelin) amongst the malays ofthe peninsula & perhaps in Sumatra too. Where such distinctions may not be apparent from the Javanese perspectiv. The Malay Tombak appears to be broader of blade. It may take the classic diamond pattern with an elongated tip or a more rectangular appearance at the mid section before it tapers to a sharp end. Lembing blades appear to be slimmer and has a more aerodynamic appearance. The blade generally do not conform to the diamond form found for the tombak. both may or may not have a spine... The shaft of the tombak is also generally thicker, rigid and more substantial in appearnce. It has a more regular parallel appearance through out its length with metallic counterweights found at the butt end. The lembing shaft on the other hand are more slimmer. Its construction tapering towards the but end... some what like a very slim n elongated coke bottle... Unlike a tombak shaft which are usually plane... the malay lembing shaft at times have very well crafted forms running throughout its length. Its shaft appears to be segmented and has fine standing lines carved around each segment. Lembing shaft doesnt appear to have any counter weight or if they do, this appears to be more like a decorative metallic sleeve at the butt... I hope those wth samples that I have described wld show this egs as I have none of my own for a more easier visual reference.

8th August 2010, 03:43 PM	#3
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,347	Welcome to the Forums BigG . Here's another spear head for consideration; the Metuk is a separate piece . Attached Images Last edited by Rick; 8th August 2010 at 03:57 PM.

8th August 2010, 06:31 PM	#5
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,238	mine, 9.25 in. blade, 1.25 in at widest, diamond x-section, 5.25" long 3/8" round tang. not sure what 'pamor' this one would have.

8th August 2010, 07:35 PM	#6
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,347	It looks like it may be an adeg (on edge) style of pamor .

9th August 2010, 10:59 AM	#7
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	Thanks, all. Good info.