Malay Klewang?

[Sajen]

Hi Moshah, first I will post your pictures direct to the thread for better look.

I think that you have there a klewang from South Sumatra, two similar examples are shown in "Traditional Weapons Of The Indonesian Archipelago" on page 70.

Regards,

Detlef

[Moshah]

Oh, Hi detlef...

It seems that I have some trouble in getting the attachment right. Too long out from posting around here...

Well, my hunch is answered...but then is this was a so-so klewang or a good one? I can see some markings on the blunt edge of the klewang, but that's that...

I haven't had the book, BTW...

[Sajen]

Hi Moshah, it is nothing, send it to me so you don't have to look at it anymore!! Seriously, it look good to me but think that the sheath is more recent. When I am you I would clean the blade and etch it to bring out the lamination.

Best,

Detlef

[Moshah]

Definitely the etching will follow suit, but I do not think it will surfaces anything except an adeg-like lamination...but surely it will get rid of the rust as well .

Personally, I think the klewang is rather short.

Yeah, scabbard could be a later addition or not original, but the blade should have some age to it, IMHO...

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Moshah

Personally, I think the klewang is rather short.

The two shown examples in the book are around 50 cm.

[Moshah]

Well then, obviously it was around of the same length..

BTW Detlef, do you have any clue on the three-apiece consecutive horizontal markings at the blunt edge (or shall I say the back?) of the klewang? Could it associate with a specific cultural region, customs or perhaps showing a tribal attribution?

You can see it more clearly on my last pix, or pix # 4

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Moshah

Well then, obviously it was around of the same length..

BTW Detlef, do you have any clue on the three-apiece consecutive horizontal markings at the blunt edge (or shall I say the back?) of the klewang? Could it associate with a specific cultural region, customs or perhaps showing a tribal attribution?

You can see it more clearly on my last pix, or pix # 4

I don't think that this can be a sign of a tribal attribution but frankly said I know not enough of this sort of klewang.

[kai]

Hello Moshah,

Definitely the etching will follow suit, but I do not think it will surfaces anything except an adeg-like lamination...but surely it will get rid of the rust as well .

Yes, I'd love to see the laminations more clearly.

Personally, I think the klewang is rather short.

These can be even shorter and plain versions are probably utility working/butcher/kitchen tools.

The silver-clad versions are obviously status pieces and of possibly ceremonial usage IMVHO.

Regards,
Kai