I have no idea ????

Andrew · 1st November 2005, 01:54 PM

It's a mak, used by various peoples across continental SEA. At one time a battlefield weapon (see Mark's site as recommended by JT), I suspect these are now primarily agricultural tools.

I've seen fairly well-made and ornate examples (one was offered by Oriental Arms at Timonium last year--perhaps the owner will post pictures), but the ones I have are somewhat crude, but quite effective.

Ian · 1st November 2005, 03:12 PM

Hi Guys:

I've been off the air for a few weeks for various technical and other reasons. Just getting back to the Forum today.

Andrew and kai are right. This is a tool/weapon of the Montagnard tribes that live along the border areas between Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. This weapon/tool seems to have been in use for quite some time, and is still being made.

Will post some additional pictures shortly.

Ian.

-------Picture added---------

Here is a picture from an old National Geographic article on teh Montagnard. It shows various knives, etc. including two mak on the left. The cutting edge is on the side where the "hook" protrudes (i.e., the concave edge).

Mark · 1st November 2005, 04:06 PM

Relief carving from Ankor Wat, 12th C, or maybe 14th and based on 12th C style books, depending on whose opinion you ask:

kai · 1st November 2005, 05:50 PM

And I was trying to remember where I saw that pic...

BTW, that relief seems to suggest that the cutting edge is on the side pointing away from the turned stick tip. How about the examples other forumites have? (Possibly the person who added the leather attachment got it all wrong?

)

Regards,
Kai

Mark · 1st November 2005, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kai

And I was trying to remember where I saw that pic...

BTW, that relief seems to suggest that the cutting edge is on the side pointing away from the turned stick tip. How about the examples other forumites have? (Possibly the person who added the leather attachment got it all wrong?

)

Regards,
Kai

Looking at Barry's example on my site, the blade is away from the tip, as in the Angkor relief. I don't have any of my own, but I handled a few at the Smithsonian a while back and just can't remember which way the edge faced.

Ian · 3rd November 2005, 11:29 PM

Pictures of mak added above in previous post and below.

Ian.

Ian · 4th November 2005, 01:58 PM

that Andrew referred to that was purchased from Artzi Yarom in Baltimore. The blade has an inserted edge, as well as brass inserts in the blade and along the spine. The handle is bamboo or rattan. Probably late 19th or early 20th C. Judging from the decorations on the blade, most likely from a hill tribe in northern Thailand or Laos.

Blade is sharpened along the inserted concave edge as well as the broad end. Overall length 30 inches.

Ian.

1st November 2005, 03:12 PM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,472	A mak indeed Hi Guys: I've been off the air for a few weeks for various technical and other reasons. Just getting back to the Forum today. Andrew and kai are right. This is a tool/weapon of the Montagnard tribes that live along the border areas between Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. This weapon/tool seems to have been in use for quite some time, and is still being made. Will post some additional pictures shortly. Ian. -------Picture added--------- Here is a picture from an old National Geographic article on teh Montagnard. It shows various knives, etc. including two mak on the left. The cutting edge is on the side where the "hook" protrudes (i.e., the concave edge). Attached Images Last edited by Ian; 3rd November 2005 at 11:28 PM.

3rd November 2005, 11:29 PM	#6
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,472	Mak picture Pictures of mak added above in previous post and below. Ian. Attached Images

4th November 2005, 01:58 PM	#7
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,472	And this is the chopper ... that Andrew referred to that was purchased from Artzi Yarom in Baltimore. The blade has an inserted edge, as well as brass inserts in the blade and along the spine. The handle is bamboo or rattan. Probably late 19th or early 20th C. Judging from the decorations on the blade, most likely from a hill tribe in northern Thailand or Laos. Blade is sharpened along the inserted concave edge as well as the broad end. Overall length 30 inches. Ian. Attached Images

1st November 2005, 01:54 PM	#1
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	It's a mak, used by various peoples across continental SEA. At one time a battlefield weapon (see Mark's site as recommended by JT), I suspect these are now primarily agricultural tools. I've seen fairly well-made and ornate examples (one was offered by Oriental Arms at Timonium last year--perhaps the owner will post pictures), but the ones I have are somewhat crude, but quite effective.

1st November 2005, 04:06 PM	#3
Mark Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 987	Relief carving from Ankor Wat, 12th C, or maybe 14th and based on 12th C style books, depending on whose opinion you ask:

1st November 2005, 05:50 PM	#4
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	And I was trying to remember where I saw that pic... BTW, that relief seems to suggest that the cutting edge is on the side pointing away from the turned stick tip. How about the examples other forumites have? (Possibly the person who added the leather attachment got it all wrong? ) Regards, Kai