Balato for comments.

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by Sajen

Hi Gene,

interesting piece, seems to have a very short blade. I would be careful with reglue the broken handle since the wood have a nice patina. How thick is the blade? Others with more knowledge will be able to tell you more about this sword.

Regards,

Detlef

Hi Detlef,

Here's a picture of the blade spine.
Thanks
Gene

[Amuk Murugul]

Hullo everybody,

I would call it a Balatoe Sala.

Best,

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Amuk Murugul

Hullo everybody,

I would call it a Balatoe Sala.

Best,

Hi Amuk,

please can you explain "sala"? I am not sure if I understand the word correct.

Regards,

Detlef

[Amuk Murugul]

Originally Posted by Sajen

Hi Amuk,

please can you explain "sala"? I am not sure if I understand the word correct.

Regards,

Detlef

Guten tag Detlef,

I am neither a Nias linguist nor a Nias smith.
The actual word 'sala' has many meanings depending on context etc. I don't know how/why 'sala' was bestowed on this blade.
All I know is that Balatoe Sala is a utility tool, 'golok' to the Soenda.
The other type is Balatoe Tologoe, used for ceremony/war.

Tschuss,

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Amuk Murugul

Guten tag Detlef,

I am neither a Nias linguist nor a Nias smith.
The actual word 'sala' has many meanings depending on context etc. I don't know how/why 'sala' was bestowed on this blade.
All I know is that Balatoe Sala is a utility tool, 'golok' to the Soenda.
The other type is Balatoe Tologoe, used for ceremony/war.

Tschuss,

Selamat malam Amuk,

thank you very much for reply. I have thought you mean something different since I have had in mind the word with nearly the same writing in bahasa indonesia.

Thank's again,

Detlef

For all others: salah in bahasa indonesia means wrong or false.

[Atlantia]

Amuk,

'Utility tool'
You're breaking my heart tonight buddy!
Best
Gene

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Atlantia

Amuk,

'Utility tool'
You're breaking my heart tonight buddy!
Best
Gene

Nothing wrong by this IMHO. It is just meant that this baloto is for every day use.

Detlef

[Amuk Murugul]

Originally Posted by Atlantia

Amuk,

'Utility tool'
You're breaking my heart tonight buddy!
Best
Gene

Hullo Gene,

Cheer up mate. You're just suffering from what I refer to as 'Occidental Syndrome'; a predispostion to view items as a weapon.

Do you believe that when Harold gathered an army to replenish his weary one on his march southward to meet William, that all the 'soldiers' were fully-equipped with regulation-issue and battle-ready?

I also recall the story of a Scottish farmer and his sons who held off an invading horde until help arrived. THEY used everyday tools; Plough and Yoke, I believe.

Generally, utility tools can be used as weapons. This, I think, is true globally, especially where the people are mostly farmers/peasants.

Best,